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Local Experts Worldw ide
GREENWICH PROPERTIES
MID-COUNTRY ESTATE: 12,000± sq. ft., 6 bedrooms,
BELLE HAVEN PENINSULA: Meticulously renovated
OLD WORLD ELEGANCE: Renovation of prewar
6 fireplaces, 2 family rooms. Detailed interiors, spectacular kitchen. Expansive terraces surround pool/spa, fullyequipped pool house. $12,495,000. WEB: MA0361155. Stephen M. Archino, 203.869.4343
1932 English-style manor. 1.5 landscaped acres in estate area. Luxurious master suite, 4 additional bedrooms. English conservatory, pool, pool house, tennis court. $10,500,000. WEB: MA0064768. BK Bates, 203.869.4343
English-style manor. 6 en-suite bedrooms including a superb master with 2 baths and views over pool and lake. Close to town. $6,950,000. WEB: MA0064741. Fran Ehrlich, 203.869.4343
IN-TOWN ESTATE: Beautiful restoration of this distin-
TOMAC COVE, OLD GREENWICH: Historic 1725 residence set on a half acre with 105’ of direct water frontage. 5 bedrooms, 41⁄2 baths, cabana and waterfront terrace with swim station. $5,500,000. WEB: MA0064875. Edward Mortimer, Allison Rogers, 203.869.4343
WATERFRONT COMMUNITY: Impressive water views.
guished Georgian-style home built in 1905. Situated atop sweeping lawns in a gated association. Separate 1-bedroom, 2-bath carriage house, pool. $5,995,000. WEB: MA0064781. Shelly Tretter Lynch, 203.869.4343
CLASSIC COLONIAL: Custom built for discerning owners. Elegant rooms. 4 fireplaces, 6 bedrooms including master with 2 baths. Beautifully landscaped, screened-in porch, lovely pool, 2-bedroom guest cottage. $4,295,000. WEB: MA0064805. Alice Duff, 203.869.4343
PICTURE PERFECT: Living room with fireplace, formal dining room, large eat-in kitchen and family room with fireplace. Master bedroom suite, 3 additional bedrooms. Flagstone terrace off the family room. $1,575,000. WEB: MA0371788. Nancy McConnell, 203.637.9333
LOVELY COLONIAL-STYLE: Light-filled home offers ideal flow for comfortable living. Large walk-up attic allows room for expansion. Walk to schools, train, Binney Park and the village of Old Greenwich. $1,525,000. WEB: MA0371777. Yuka Kominami, 203.637.9333
GREENWICH BROKERAGES I sothebyshomes.com/greenwich GREENWICH 203.869.4343 I OLD GREENWICH 203.637.9333 Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. is Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated. Farm of Jas de Bouffan, used with permission.
Heated pool with fountains, gazebo and waterfront terrace. 6 bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half baths, minutes to trains, I-95, and all town amenities. 6,912 sq. ft. plus finished lower level. $4,850,000. WEB: MA0064852. Pat Lynch, 203.869.4343
Local Experts Worldw ide
GREENWICH PROPERTIES
BELLE HAVEN CLASSIC: Magnificent turn-of-the-century Georgian-style impeccably renovated. Gourmet chef’s kitchen, French doors throughout, 5 bedrooms, splendid gardens and serene pool. 3-bedroom carriage house. $12,750,000. WEB: MA0064856. C. Vanneck, 203.869.4343
SPARKLING WATERFRONT: Elegant new construction in Riverside. Exceptional craftsmanship and luxurious amenities distinguish this home. Built on 1+ acre with 200' direct shoreline, fixed dock. $11,950,000. WEB: MA0371755. A. Rabenhorst, P. K. Joyce, 203.637.9333
NANTUCKET SHINGLE-STYLE: This timeless residence is sheltered on a scenic cove in Lucas Point, a private enclave surrounded by Long Island Sound and Greenwich Cove. 3-story residence features its own dock. $7,195,000. WEB: MA0064859. Joseph Barbieri, 203.869.4343
SUPERB STONE AND SHINGLE ESTATE: 4 magni-
MESMERIZING WATER VIEWS: Rare opportunity in
ficent acres overlooking 40 acres of conservation. Richly appointed interior and kitchen/family room with views of open lawn and pool. Luxurious master with sitting room. $6,395,000. WEB: MA0064719. Joseph Barbieri, 203.869.4343
waterfront gated community, steps from Bruce Park, Greenwich Avenue, train. Renovate, expand or rebuild. $6,000,000. WEB: MA0064606. Kathryn Adams, 203.869.4343
BACKCOUNTRY CHARM: Renovated stone and clapboard Colonial with majestic views in gated association. Elegant public rooms. Master suite, 4 en-suite bedrooms and 2-bedroom suite. $5,950,000. WEB: MA0064762. Marilynne Stratton, 203.869.4343
HANDSOME HOME: Stone and clapboard Georgianstyle Colonial located on a quiet cul-de-sac. Superb kitchen with butler’s pantry, 5 fireplaces. Master suite plus 5 ensuite bedrooms. Private property with pool in a great location. $4,195,000. WEB: MA0064780. BK Bates, 203.869.4343
IN-TOWN CONVENIENCE: Renovated 1925 Colonial.
JUST COMPLETED: Quality detailing and extensive
Step-down living room with wet bar, state-of-the-art kitchen. Master suite with 2 baths by Waterworks. 4 additional bedrooms. Blue stone patio. $2,975,000. WEB: MA0064199. Michele Klosson, 203.869.4343
millwork throughout. 2-story foyer, custom designed kitchen. 5 bedrooms. Finished lower level. $1,895,000. WEB: MA0371778. Joan A. Smith, Michael Colangelo, 203.637.9333
GREENWICH BROKERAGES I sothebyshomes.com/greenwich GREENWICH 203.869.4343 I OLD GREENWICH 203.637.9333 Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. is Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated. Les Bords de l’Epte a Giverny, used with permission.
Local Experts Worldw ide
WESTCHESTER PROPERTIES
IRVINGTON, NY Italianate Villa: Overlooking the Hudson River, Nuits encompasses 14,000 sq. ft. on 4.78 acres. 1,500 sq. ft. carriage house with 2-car garage, pool and elegant garden area. $11,750,000. WEB: MA0711423. Chappaqua Brokerage, D. Valdes, 914.238.3000
RYE PO, NY Westchester Country Club Gem: Located in a peaceful setting of the Country Club grounds, this 6,000± sq. ft. home offers 6 bedrooms, 51⁄2 baths, a stateof-the-art kitchen and pool. $3,995,000. WEB: MA0652568. Rye Brokerage, Pat Hirsch, 914.967.4600
PURCHASE, NY Ultimate Luxury: Enjoy this custom-built home thoughtfully designed and appointed with a gunite pool, spa, basketball court, cabana area, 7 bedrooms, exercise room and recording studio. $3,800,000. WEB: MA0652540. Rye Brokerage, Alix Prince, 914.967.4600
OSSINING, NY Majestic Country Estate: Brick mansion
LARCHMONT, NY Larchmont Manor: This traditional
SCARSDALE, NY New Construction: Move right into this
on 6.7 acres with in-ground pool and guest cottage. Updated elegance and grandeur with 11,000+ sq. ft., 7 bedrooms, 7 full and 2 half baths. $3,270,000. WEB: MA0711496. Chappaqua Brokerage, A. Wolf, 914.238.3000
4-bedroom, 31⁄2-bath home has been custom crafted and expanded retaining the fashionable appearance of a bygone era. $2,677,000. WEB: MA0682416. Larchmont Brokerage, M. McKiernan, 914.834.0270
6-bedroom, 41⁄2-bath stately brick home enhanced by custom craftsmanship throughout. Scarsdale developer renowned for quality construction. $2,475,000. WEB: MA0662354. Scarsdale Brokerage, Joyce Spiegel, 914.725.3305
SCARSDALE, NY Stunning 1920s Tudor-Style: Set in the
WEST HARRISON, NY Resort Amenities: Colonialstyle home with magnificent outdoor space including a pool with waterfall, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, bi-level terraces. $2,050,000. WEB: MA0652577. Rye Brokerage, Louis Katsoris, 914.967.4600
HARRISON, NY Spacious Home: 4-bedroom, 51⁄2-bath
prestigious Cotswold neighborhood of Edgemont; 6 bedrooms, 41⁄2 baths, pool, restored to its original beauty and updated for modern living. $2,285,711. WEB: MA0662723. Scarsdale Brokerage, A. Weiss, A. Moretti, 914.725.3305
home has been beautifully renovated throughout. 5,300 sq. ft. with additional 2,000 sq. ft. on lower level with newly finished au-pair suite. $1,995,000. WEB: MA0662725. Scarsdale Brokerage, Mary Burr, 914.725.3305
WESTCHESTER BROKERAGES I sothebyshomes.com/westchester BEDFORD-KATONAH 914.767.9673
CHAPPAQUA 914.238.2774
LARCHMONT 914.834.0270
RYE 914.967.4600
Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. is Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated. Street in Saintes-Maries, used with permission.
SCARSDALE 914.725.3305
Local Experts Worldw ide
WESTCHESTER PROPERTIES
LARCHMONT, NY Custom-Built Colonial-Style: Stunning, sun-filled and spacious 2002 home built with top-of-the-line details, 4 bedrooms and 31⁄2 baths. $1,949,500. WEB: MA0682295. Larchmont Brokerage, R. Brause, B. Rosenblum, 914.834.0270
PAWLING, NY Gracious Estate: 5-bedroom Colonial-style home with gunite pool in a bucolic country setting. Built in 2006. Breathtaking views of stream, pond and surrounding horse farms. $1,900,000. WEB: MA0721348. BedfordKatonah Brokerage, H. Gordon, L. White, 914.232.9009
CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY Lakefront: Breathtaking,
CHAPPAQUA, NY Spacious Sophistication: Dramatic Colonial-style contemporary on 1.25 landscaped acres. 3 living floors, soaring ceilings, lots of glass, open floor plan and 2 deck levels. $1,795,000. WEB: MA0711490. Chappaqua Brokerage, Helen Dorman, 914.238.3000
CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY La Quercia: Extraordinary
RYE, NY Old World Charm: An old heavy wood door
Mediterranean-style villa. Incredible restoration and attention to detail. 3.8 private acres with 25’ x 54’ pool and English gardens. $1,749,000. WEB: MA0721354. BedfordKatonah Brokerage, E. Rosenfeld, 914.232.9009
with vintage stained-glass windows invites guests into this remarkable Tudor-style home with slate patio and private beach. $1,675,000. WEB: MA0652393. Rye Brokerage, Joan Toepfer, 914.967.4600
NEW ROCHELLE, NY Luxury Living: Located in a gated community with 3 bedrooms, 31⁄2 baths, gourmet kitchen/family room with fireplace and elevator to the lower level. $1,395,000. WEB: MA0682150. Larchmont Brokerage, M. McKiernan, L. Lichter, 914.834.0270
LARCHMONT, NY Magnificent Stone and Stucco Tudor-Style: Elegant 4-bedroom, 3-bath features bright, spacious rooms, excellent architectural details and beautiful views of garden. $1,203,000. WEB: MA0662721. Scarsdale Brokerage, Gregory Cooper, 914.725.3305
MAMARONECK, NY Gracious Contemporary: Lightfilled 4,330 sq. ft. 5-bedroom, 31⁄2-bath home on 0.62 acre with gourmet kitchen and 3 fireplaces overlooking Winged Foot Golf Course. $1,189,000. WEB: MA0682185. Larchmont Brokerage, D. Satula, 914.834.0270
environmentally friendly home with geothermal system. Lots of open space and unique architectural details. 10 acres with pool, woodlands and lake access. $1,850,000. WEB: MA0711458. Chappaqua Brokerage, D.Valdes, 914.238.3000
WESTCHESTER BROKERAGES I sothebyshomes.com/westchester BEDFORD-KATONAH 914.767.9673
CHAPPAQUA 914.238.2774
LARCHMONT 914.834.0270
RYE 914.967.4600
Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. is Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated. Farm of Jas de Bouffan, used with permission.
SCARSDALE 914.725.3305
Letter from the Publisher T
he 203 network has grown tremendously since our last issue. 203 Modern Affluent Living is becoming a ‘must read’ from Westchester to New Haven counties. We know the needs of our communities, and we pride ourselves in providing our readers with information on how to live, enjoy, and learn about the 203 region and its surrounding area. Since last issue, our demographic has aged to 35 years old. We’re also reaching readers up to 55 years of age with our wide variety of editorial topics. I am thrilled that we have been able to grow as a company and expand our acceptance by the diverse communities of the 203 region. We have built a great foundation with the integration of our media services. By diversifying and offering web, print, video, photography, event planning, and online marketing within one single company, we are able to give our clients more effective and powerful marketing solutions. Our website division has attracted dozens of great clients to join our ever-growing network. 203 Media Group’s video department has produced commercials for many high-end businesses in Stamford and Darien, and our photography department, led by Creative Director Thomas McGovern, has done a phenomenal job capturing the lifestyle of the 203 region, as well as private events from Westchester to upstate Connecticut, with dynamic, artistic images. In this issue, we give our readers several exciting new destinations and entertainment choices to be explored this fall, as well as profiles on fascinating entrepreneurs in the area. And what’s next for 203 Modern Affluent Living? Each issue we look toward broadening our scope, as we did with the HOMES section in summer. We are gearing up for our winter issue to expand our FASHION section, showcasing more designers and retail locations our readers need to hear about. We are also bringing in several new talented and creative editors to make our team even stronger. Our goal is to double our community reach by the end of 2009, and we have to thank you, our readers, for making our passion a reality. I welcome you to our magazine, our network, and our vision. This issue is dedicated to Lian Lou and Joseph Zadravecz. Sincerely,
John Estrada Publisher & Founder John@203lifestyle.com
10 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
203
FEATURES
M o d e r n
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41
52
The Best Things in Life are Chocolate by Dana Allen Attention Deficit Disorder by Dr. Robert Zembroski The Best of Both Worlds by Bruna Martins
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A f f l u e n t
L i v i n g
Gilles Clement’s Roomscapes by Janiece Jackson 15 Minutes with Matt Bongiovi by Bruna Martins Fashion You Fall For Photography by Thomas McGovern
| Photograph by Thomas McGovern |
V o l u m e 2 , i s s u e 2 F A LL 2 0 0 9
DEPARTMENTS
203 M o d e r n
LEISURE 20 Plates 26 Louis’ Lunch 34 The Rock Club 39 Harvest Supper HOMES 47 Rockfields Estate DESTINATIONS 67 Hershey, PA 71 Horseback in NYC 76 Foxwoods & MGM 80 Stepping Stones
A f f l u e n t
L i v i n g
FINER THINGS 94 Arganese Cigars 95 J&B Autobody 98 Camera Comparison 100 Wines 102 Cocktails 104 Beers 106 Sky Hookah Lounge 108 Events 112 Endnote
| Photograph by Thomas McGovern |
V o l u m e 2 , i s s u e 2 F A LL 2 0 0 9
News from....
20 Ye a r s o f E x c e l l e n c e
Jeff Kuffel Landscape Designer LEED AP
oFFMAN H C L A N D S C A P E S
5 Low Cost Green Tips for an Eco-Friendly Yard Becoming more eco-friendly is spreading rapidly across the country. However this consciousness is often considered too pricey. Here are five eco-savvy tips you can implement that are good for the planet and easy on your wallet. Select Native Plants - Choose plants that are natural to this area for ecological reasons. They easily assimilate and require less care than imported varieties. Plus, native plants tend to be treated with fewer pesticides reducing the chemical impact on your property. Use Organic Fertilizers - Today, organic fertilizers and non-toxic pest control options are readily available and affordable. These applications minimize chemicals in your yard and the resulting run-off water that drains into public water systems. Compost Yard Waste - Turn leaves, plant trimmings & vegetable waste into a nutrient-rich compost that feeds your landscape. Buy a composter or create a pile in a hidden area of your property. Materials take about a year to break down, so next spring, everything will be ready for recycling. Harvest Rain Water - Create a “rain garden” to capture stormwater runoff from your roof or other areas around your home such as driveways and walkways. Plant with suitable trees, shrubs & flowers allowing runoff water to soak into the ground and protect water quality. Plant Trees and Shrubs - Trees and shrubs develop large root systems that minimize runoff and soil erosion. With less lawn area, you’ll reduce energy expended on mowing while saving water.
A Blend of Creativity, Craftsmanship and Care for Distinctive Properties. Since 1987.
GREENWICH 203.637.1131 WILTON 203.834.9656 FAIRFIELD 203.254.0505 LITCHFIELD 860.868.0103 www.HoffmanLandscapes.com
FALL 2009 - Volume TWO, Issue TWO JOHN ESTRADA PUBLISHER THOMAS MCGOVERN MANAGING EDITOR/ CREATIVE DIRECTOR BRAD LAWSON WEB DIRECTOR RUI WEIDT ART DIRECTOR ALEX MEJIA PHOTO DIRECTOR KIMBERLY VIRGILI BUSINESS SALES ADONIS FILPO DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LUIS ZUCKERMAN JUNIOR ART DIRECTOR THOMAS COSSUTO, MAN IN MOTION, LLC DISTRIBUTION CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:
LINDA C. DONNELLY, BRUNA MARTINS, JANIECE JACKSON, GILLES CLEMENT, MELISSA PERKINS, BRAD LAWSON DANA ALLEN, DR. ROBERT ZEMBROSKI , LINDA KAVANAGH
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: THOMAS MCGOVERN
COPYRIGHT 203 MEDIA GROUP, LLC 2009 REPRODUCTION WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF 203 MEDIA GROUP IS PROHIBITED ADVERTISING INQUIRIES REGARDING 203 MODERN AFFLUENT LIVING SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO JOHN ESTRADA, JOHN@203LIFESTYLE.COM VISIT WWW.203LIFESTYLE.COM
Contributors
Fall 2009
Dana Allen has been a resident and admirer of the 203 area for the majority of her life. Although spending most of her time in South Carolina as an English major at College of Charleston, Connecticut will always have a special place in her heart. In her spare time Dana enjoys working out, reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends. Dana’s Chocopologie article appears on page 29.
Janiece Jackson
was born in and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She serves as the managing editor for her school newspaper, Horizons. When not writing, Janiece enjoys going to church, being in the company of her loved ones, and working out. She aspires to visit third-world countries, to help orphaned and underprivileged children learn to read and write. Janiece’s work appears on page 26 and page 76.
18 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
Gilles Clement
was born in Paris, France. He attended Fairfield University, where he graduated with a master in interior design. Gilles currently owns and runs Le Cirque designs, a high-end residential interior design firm, located in Stamford, CT. He has worked with design icons such as Jacques Garcia, and has designed many celebrity homes. He has also won the Connecticut Cottages and Gardens’ “Innovator in Design” award in 2007. Gilles’ article on interior design is on page 58.
Bruna Martins was born in São Paulo, Brazil. She is an Indiana University graduate with a communications, spanish, and political science degree. She has recently relocated to Connecticut after joining the 203 team. She resides in Stamford, CT and when she is not traveling the world she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Bruna’s work appears on pages 34, 52 and 82.
PLATES
| LEISURE |
| Photography by Thomas McGovern |
Sushi Platter - Shrine, MGM Grand A generous and unique array of delectable sushi from around the world.
20 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
| Text contributed by Linda Kavanagh & Janiece Jackson |
CUISINE OF 203
PLATES
CUISINE OF 203
Tuna Marinato - Morello’s, Greenwich Rosemary, chile pepper, and oregano seasoned tuna lay atop a bed of fingerling potatoes “in potacchio.”
www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 21
PLATES
| LEISURE |
CUISINE OF 203
Erachi Kola Urandai - Coramandel, South Norwalk Fragrantly spiced meatball skewers, made of chicken and lamb, garnished with fresh onions and peppers, lay upon a bed of Chef Special green herb sauce. This dish is reflective of the flexibility that Indian cuisine has to blend in with popular food preparation. 22 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
PLATES
CUISINE OF 203
Crostini - Tuscan Oven, Norwalk An assortment of mini-bites chosen daily by the Chef. Each crostini is decorated with small portions from the menu. From honey ricotta and prosciutto topped with white figs, and avocado basil puree with poached shrimp and yellow cherry tomato, to goat cheese with roasted bell peppers, and eggplant caponata. www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 23
PLATES
| LEISURE |
CUISINE OF 203
Rack of Lamb - Ambrosia Bar & Grill, Norwalk A traditional Greek rack of Lamb succulently flavored with rosemary, thyme and garlic.
24 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
PLATES
CUISINE OF 203
Pollo Relleno - Brasitas, Norwalk Slow roasted chicken breast, filled graciously with country style Colombian chorizo-dried apricots and yucca stuffing, accompanied by cream whipped potatoes, and wilted greens, topped with an orange-tequila & honey reduction. www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 25
| LEISURE |
The eclectic front counter of Louis’ Lunch.
B u r g e r B e g i n s A classically Delicious Rumor
A historical token for New Haven, Louis’ Lunch is a site for regulars and a destination for visitors from around the world.
| By Janiece Jackson | Photography by Thomas McGovern | 26 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
Some things are better left unchanged.
In
1895, Louis Lassen created a legacy when he first opened the petite eatery, Louis’ Lunch, in Downtown New Haven. Rumor has it; Louis’ Lunch is the home of the original sandwich burger. In 1900, in an attempt to satisfy a hungry, pressed-for-time factory worker, Lassen took a leap by simply grounding and hand-molding a fresh steak into a patty that fit perfectly between two slices of sandwich bread; and so the burger was born. Over a century later, Louis’ Lunch continues to feed customers just as they always have. The vertical grills used to cook the burgers in 1900 have not changed. Neither has the succulent flavor of fresh beef topped by a sliver of aromatic onion; garnished solely by a slice of tomato or cheese. When threatened by commercial demolition in 1975, Louis’ Lunch supporters arose to assist in its reconstruction. Thousands of bricks were sent from all over the world to help establish the Crown Street location
where Louis’ Lunch now stands. Louis’ great grandson Ken offers a “tour of the walls,” to special visitors, proudly pointing out the significance of each individual brick. Louis’ Lunch is conveniently open to accommodate lunch hour diners and late night cravings. Don’t be turned away by the long lines at Louis’, the experience is well worth the wait. While waiting, take the opportunity to appreciate the historic atmosphere that lies within the walls of Louis’. Although small in space and capacity, Louis’ Lunch is large in tradition, taste, and dining history. Swing by and visit Ken Lassen and the rest of the Louis’ Lunch crew to experience a Louis’ burger for yourself. Louis’ Lunch is Located on 263 Crown Street, New Haven. Tue & Wed 11AM to 4PM. Thu - Sat 12PM to 2AM. Louis’ Lunch only accepts cash.
Louis’ may be small in size, but it is large in history.
www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 27
| LEISURE |
The art of enjoying life at Chocopologie
The Best Things In Life Are
Chocolate
A mix of rich espresso and dark hot chocolate topped with lavender foam completes this signature drink
| By Dana Allen | Photography by Thomas McGovern | www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 29
| LEISURE |
S
i tuated in the heart of South Norwalk, Chocopologie emanates a sophisticated old world feel that is reflected by both its chic yet rustic decor and its dedication to excellence in even the smallest of details. Candle-lit bistro style seating areas in combination with the delicious diversity of the menu create a warm atmosphere that beckons guests to indulge their desires for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Chocopologie cafe is the very successful brainchild of Fritz Knipschildt and his original business Knipschildt Chocolatier. After moving to the United States from his homeland of Denmark, Fritz began experimenting with chocolate in the late 1990’s, and by 2000 opened Knipschildt Chocolatier in East Norwalk to manufacture and ship his delicious chocolates to retail stores around the Unites States. The popularity of his chocolate business allowed him to move his small manufacturing shop and follow through with his dream of opening a European style café in America. In 2005, Fritz opened Chocopologie café and began manufacturing Knipschildt chocolates in the kitchen, as well as the delicious pastries and savory items served daily in the café. As head chocolatier, Fritz has earned some truly impressive accolades, such as multiple Sofi awards and the Best of the Gold Coast award. In addition, he has gained recognition in an array of media outlets ranging from The New York Times to a truffle Throw Down with Bobby Flay on The Food Network (which he won). In every way, Chocopologie café translates Fritz’s passion and creativity RIGHT: The counter at Chocopologie.. BELOW: Scrumptious rich chocolate squares drizzled in white chocolate.
30 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
ABOVE: Delectable chocolate frogs. RIGHT: Packages filled with mouthwatering chocolates ready for delivery.
into a service we can all enjoy. Perhaps what makes Chocopologie such a unique experience is that each item on the menu is made fresh every day in the café’s pristine full-service kitchen. Seven antique barn style windows allow a gallery viewing of the creative processes behind Chocopologie’s mouth-watering chocolates, pastries, and savory items. Although available across the United States, each Knipschildt chocolate is created in Chocopologie’s own kitchen; there are no distant factories or mass-producing machines to simplify the process. There is something undeniably authentic and enjoyable about knowing that the food you are consuming has been created with such pride. This open-door policy extends beyond simply allowing spectators; once a month Chocopologie offers truffle classes with head pastry chef Torbin Bang. Students are given the opportunity to create two of the most popular trufflesHelena (coconut) and Madeline (classic dark chocolate) - and enjoy them afterward. Chocopologie is also available for private parties; whether a child’s birthday, a corporate event, or a bridal shower, the space and the staff are versatile and creative enough to make any event a huge success. It has been said that excellence is in the details, and this certainly applies to the artisan treats produced by Knipschildt Chocolatiers. The look of the chocolates is original yet classic, hand-molded, rolled, and decorated on an individual basis. The freshness and flavor of the chocolates is unmatched; only the best ingredients from around the world are used. Each truffle is given a woman’s www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 31
| LEISURE |
name, underlining the individuality of each chocolate and the care and thought put into each one. Finally, each box of chocolates is packaged in gorgeous paper products from Nepal, hand selected by Fritz and his team to reflect the unique ideology of Knipschildt Chocolatiers and Chocopologie cafe. Chocopologie’s five principles for excellence are as follows: hand crafted, all natural, high quality, artistic beauty, and unrivaled taste. Such standards are a refreshing change from many modern food
businesses that focus more on quantity than quality. At Chocopologie, no detail is overlooked, no taste bud is left untouched, and one thing is for sure- when you arrive at Chocopologie you won’t want to leave any time soon. Chocopologie is located at 12 South Main Street, Norwalk and is open Wednesday 11am-9pm, Thursday 11am-10pm. Friday & Saturday 11am-midnight, and Sunday 10:30am-5pm. An artistic and decadent dipped strawberry.
32 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
The ‘rock jocks’ at a fantastic indoor climbing facility in New Rochelle make any mountain top seem within reach.
| LEISURE |
| By Bruna Martins | Photography by Thomas McGovern |
34 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
Hundreds of climbing paths are marked by tape, running the gamut of difficulty from beginner to advanced. www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 35
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T
he world of rock climbing comes with its own vocabulary –belayer, bouldering, route setting–and evidently an intoxicating rush that keeps its participants completely hooked. Once you try climbing, whether it’s outdoors like the Adirondacks or the Rockies, or indoors like The Rock Club in New Rochelle, NY, it becomes an incomparable part of your wellness regime. The total body workout and the challenge of reaching the top of a vast variety of climbs set by experts, is enough to keep you coming back for more. According to the experts at The Rock Club, “Thought, visualization of movement and problem solving are needed to solve the riddle of the next move. When making the move there’s no room for fear or doubt, only the commitment that ensures that you’ll reach the next hold. The climber is fully engaged in the moment. Distractions evaporate, liberating the climber from stress.” At the Rock Club, Director of Operations, Obe Carrion, 32, gives tremendous thought into the variety of climbs members can make, and he’s been devoted to rock climbing for close to twenty years. When he was a young boy he couldn’t help skipping school to climb in the mountainous region near his Pennsylvania home. I guess it paid off, since two decades later and numerous professional endorsement contracts and accolades, he is still doing what he loves and loving what he does. Carrion likens route setting, or assembling the rock footholds into various patterns, to composing
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Obe reaches the top of a bouldering path, a problem-solving climb where routes are not marked to challenge to climber.
The Rock Club’s large space allowed owners to build in dozens of climbing features to excite and give climbers room to practice and enjoy. www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 37 47
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a symphony. All parts of your body and mind are involved in the fluidity of this exercise. The harmony of these moving parts is the only way to succeed in getting to the top. Carrion adds, “Climbing promotes strength, flexibility, balance, and control and provides balanced, low impact exercise.” Before you climb, though, you’ll need a ‘belayer’. A belayer is the skilled climber who’s literally got your back. It does cost an additional fee ($20 for 30 minutes, $30 for an hour), but without him/her you simply can’t go up. This person holds the rope below you and guides you to the top with tips and advice for solving ‘problems’, which is the catch phrase for
Obe makes his way up an over-hanging climbing path.
figuring out a particular route to the top. Once you reach your first summit, you will be hungry for more. The Rock Club offers a one of kind, exhilarating experience that will not leave you hanging. Day passes cost $13 to $18, while monthly memberships range from $42 to $80. Equipment rentals run from $4.50 to $10. Annual membership are from $360-$700. The Rock Club, 130 Rhodes Street, New Rochelle; 914-633-7625; www.climbrockclub.com
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| LEISURE |
Straight From The Harvest
Lush Farm Finds Delicately Prepared
| By Melissa Perkins | Photography by Thomas McGovern | www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 39
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As
the last hint of dew is evaporating from the leaves in the morning, Chef Daniel Kardos is strolling through the rows of locally grown vegetables at Holbrook Farm in Bethel, Connecticut. He is searching for the ingredients that will go into the menu at Harvest Supper that night and onto the plates of lucky diners that are wise enough to eat there. He is looking for what is available and what is the most in season to insure that the final product will taste simply irresistible. As a frequent visitor to the farm, Dan has become known and loved by John and Lynn Holbrook, the owners, who always make sure to save him some prime duck eggs and chickens. Dan says, “The reason I go to the farm for my food is, the food is as fresh is it could be that way because you’re actually going and picking it, and you can get things that are local to your neighborhood, that grow and are produced around you. It also means that as a chef, I have to be creative, all I cook is what’s available that day, making it interesting and healthy; and good business for Connecticut farms.” After his visit to the farm Dan makes his way to the Harvest Supper in New Canaan, where he will prepare the gathered food until opening for dinner service. The preparation process is busy as Dan washes the produce, the roots still specked with naturally nitrogen rich organic soil. He also finds it interesting that while preparing his food he can look at, say an onion, and
remember digging it out of the ground earlier that morning. When Harvest Supper opens for dinner you will be delightfully greeted by hostess and owner, Grace Lamb, and with a smile like hers you can’t help feeling welcome as she shows you to your table. The ambiance of this small restaurant is also borrowed from the farm, you really feel you’re not so much in a restaurant as you are in an old friends Victorian farmhouse for dinner. Its all country, from the checkered walls and old world portraits hanging next to the antique copper pots, right down to your chair which is made of solid pine and left unfinished. Friends gather around their tables and can’t wait to see the variations made to the menu which is changed daily. Knowing that, it’s a wonder in itself that Dan doesn’t run out of new ideas, but that clearly isn’t going to happen anytime soon. With a variety of ingredients like roasted, milk fed veal rib chop accompanied by local bean ragout, Holbrook Farm heirloom potatoes, foraged chanterelle and uncured bacon acquired daily, running out of ideas is clearly not an issue. Harvest Supper, 15 Elm Street, New Canaan, 203-9665595. Small plates average $12 and entrees $24.
ABOVE: A wonderfully fall treat, seared Hudson Valley foie gras with blueberry pancakes drizzled in a maple glaze on top granola and vanilla yogurt. PREVIOUS PAGE: The interior is wonderfully decorated to enhance the local nature of Harvest Supper’s menu. BELOW: An artistic and tantalizing dish of sunny-side duck egg, American speck, chanterelle, and pea greens.
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| LEISURE |
Attention Def i cit Disorder A real problem that needs attention
| By Dr. Robert Zembroski | www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 41
| LEISURE |
As you sit in a business meeting, social gathering, or family event, you find yourself having a hard time following a conversation because you are zoning out without realizing it, until someone or some environmental stimulus brings you back to reality. At work, you can’t finish the task at hand, and realize you’ve started more projects without following through on any of them. Your work space is cluttered and messy, and you realize you have underestimated the time you gave yourself to complete the task or job at hand. During dinner conversation, you interrupt your company and obnoxiously answer someone
before a question has been finished. As the people around you talk, in your head you are hearing the chatter as background noise, and find it difficult to listen. At some point in the night you start to get anxious and fidgety, finding it hard to sit and relax. After being reprimanded by your significant other for blurting out during the evening, you momentarily evaluate yourself, questioning if there is something wrong. At times, you find yourself so hyperfocused on one task or problem that you exclude everything else around you that needs your attention. During the day you have incredible energy, and find yourself adapting to new information while still being very creative. Your co-workers, family and friends make you think you’re crazy, and accuse you of having ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder. While most people envision an individual with ADD as a child bouncing off the walls, unable to sit in a chair, unruly, and unable to focus in a classroom, ADD and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affect children and adults alike. The current criteria necessary for the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD state that symptoms arise in early childhood before the age of seven, and that the
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behaviors are seen for at least six months. Children with ADD/ADHD may have some of the following symptoms: • Have difficulty keeping attention • Make careless mistakes • Have trouble listening and a hard time following instructions • Are forgetful and easily distracted • Dislike tasks that require mental effort • Squirm in the chair and fidget • Talk excessively and can’t sustain quiet activity • Blurt out answers before questions have been completed • Interrupt others • Run around and have difficulty remaining seated Because everyone shows signs of these behaviors at one time or another, the guidelines for determining whether a person has ADD/ADHD are not based on a list of symptoms, nor on a Webbased quiz. This inadequate form of evaluating is only suggestive of ADD/ADHD, and can lead to a misdiagnosis, which in turn may lead to needless and perhaps harmful treatments, i.e., medication. Is ADD/ADHD over-diagnosed or even misdiagnosed? Is a label of ADD/ADHD given because of intolerance to childhood playfulness? As a seasoned professional on this topic, and working with providers in the mental healthcare field, I have found that sometimes children are needlessly medicated by parents who are looking for some classroom advantage, whether it is additional time for testing, or other classroom accommodations in a competitive educational environment. The Brain is the Problem To prevent improper treatment due to poor diagnostic criteria, it is through an appropriate neurological and biochemical evaluation that the diagnosis of ADD/ ADHD is made. Current research has shown that ADD/ADHD is a true
neurological dysfunction found in the brain, where there is a misfiring of nerve cells and an imbalance in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Although the brain is not diseased in an individual with ADD/ ADHD, there is a problem with the development of specific areas of the brain. The result is decreased processing of information within those specific areas. Now, a brief lesson on anatomy and physiology will help us understand how the specific regions of the brain function. The nerve cells or neurons of the brain are connected in dense networks that develop efficiency with each human experience. These neurons are the basic foundation of thought, behavior, cognition, and movement. The brain has four lobes on each side. If the neurons in these different lobes of the brain develop poorly, the probability of behavioral, cognitive, and academic deficits increases. Research has shown that with ADD/ADHD there is decreased processing or functioning in the frontal lobe, the basal ganglia, and the cerebellum. The frontal lobe (behind your forehead) is responsible for executive functions that include planning, organizing, problem solving, selective attention, personality, and a variety of “higher cognitive functions” including behavior and emotions. The basal ganglia (in between the two hemispheres) is the part that shuts down brain neurons in the frontal cortex from causing spontaneous outbursts. In other words, the basal ganglia is the shut-off switch for the brain. If the nerve cells in the basal ganglia are weak, the brain can’t shut down; as a result, hyperactivity develops. This is the difference between ADD and ADHD. With ADD, the basal ganglia has not yet been involved; with ADHD the basal ganglia is unable to quiet the brain down from hyperactive moments. Last but not least, the cerebellum (found at the base of the skull) seems to be the key factor. Research has shown that children with ADD/ADHD have smaller cerebellums (up to 11% smaller) than non-affected children. It is important to note that
the cerebellum is responsible for the development of the rest of the brain—specifically the frontal lobe, where we get focus and attention. The cerebellum also controls the coordination of all muscle movements, including those of the eyes and the spine which provide us with a sense of balance. Without proper cerebellar development, one will have problems not only with balance and coordination, but with thoughts and behaviors as well. Therefore, anything that affects this region will affect the way the brain develops. Through birth trauma, forceps delivery, and any of a number of prenatal stressors, there may be poor development in the cerebellum and thus in the brain, leading to ADD/ADHD. Why is ADD/ADHD more prevalent now? Believe it or not, society is becoming more sedentary. Children have stationary technology put into their laps—TV and video games for recreation, and computers for school and social communication. Emphasis is put more on academics and less on physical activity and recess. With these cultural and technological changes, there is less stimulation from the body to the brain; as a consequence, there is a higher number of individuals being diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. When the brain has a weakness, there is a high probability of attention issues. Along with this weakness, there may also be an imbalance in brain chemicals or neurotransmitters. These NT’s are the biochemicals that enable nerve cells in the brain to
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| LEISURE |
communicate with each other. The NT’s that are commonly imbalanced and contribute to ADD/ADHD symptoms are Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, GABA, PEA and Histamine. Neurotransmitters are created from protein and vitamins that come from the foods we ingest. Therefore, it is important to look at and modify the diet. When dealing with cognitive dysfunctions like ADD/ADHD, it is important to eat healthful foods and rid the diet of certain offensive foods that have been shown to affect executive function and behavior. This will set the stage for more normal brain chemistry. Foods to eliminate: • Refined white sugars (candy), white flours, and other empty-calorie foods • Dairy – milk, cheese, yogurt • Gluten (found in flour breads) • Trans fats – anything cooked with hydrogenated vegetable oil, restaurant fried foods, cookies, crackers, cakes, margarine, and snack foods • Artificial sweeteners • Food dyes and soy While most think ADD/ADHD is a childhood condition, it affects adults in the same manner. If not diagnosed and treated correctly in a child, the dysfunction will remain causing the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adulthood. In adults, the symptoms must have been present since childhood and must affect one’s ability to function in daily life. These behaviors must create
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significant difficulty in at least two areas of life, such as home, social settings, school, or work. We find that many people who have lived with ADD all their lives accept it as part of who they are. They have no idea that the pattern of problems may be related to a treatable disorder— more specifically, a weakness in the brain. With the dramatic increase in the number of children affected by ADD, ADHD, Executive Function Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder, Dyslexia, Tourette’s Syndrome, and the other learning disabilities, many concerned parents struggle with how to help their children. The medical paradigm of drug intervention has been somewhat successful in relieving symptoms, but longterm changes have not been supported scientifically. Recent advances in brain research and imaging strongly support the specialty of Chiropractic Neurology, which focuses on evaluating the function of the brain and nervous system. Once an individual has been properly evaluated and diagnosed, a non-invasive, drug-free protocol should be implemented, restoring balance to the system and thereby relieving the symptoms. Dr. Robert Zembroski is a board-certified chiropractic neurologist and the director of the Darien Center for Integrative Medicine. He has maintained a successful private practice for 15 years in Darien, CT. For more information on ADD/ADHD, visit www.darienim.com.
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Greenwich Gatsby
The majestic 20,000 square foot home of a Rockefeller and a Carnegie has a new life after an extensive, historically accurate renovation
| By Bruna Martins | Photography by Thomas McGovern | www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 47
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PREVIOUS PAGE: Little was done to the exterior architectural design of the home. The goal was to keep the home as true to its original splendor as possible. THIS PAGE: A superb design with indestructible strength expresses detailed craftsmanship and constructional genius.
N
ot since the era depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, has a home like Rockfields been built. Nor do homes today utilize the principals and materials of commercial construction as Rockfields does. This massive estate on 11 acres is a house that will never fall or burn down for that matter, for it is built entirely of steel and concrete. Back in the 1920s, the famed architectural firm of Noel & Miller, best known at the time for their unforgettable design of New York City’s Whitney Museum of Art, was hired to build a wedding gift for financier James Stillman Rockefeller. Rockefeller wanted the best, no expense spared, no corner cut for his new bride Nancy Carnegie.
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The massive steel column framing, 8-inch thick interior concrete walls and slab flooring, and extensive use of plaster walls and moldings, make this a home that is solid and impenetrable and harkens back to the bygone era known as the Roaring 20s. Elizabeth Paradise and her husband John spent the last 18 months lovingly restoring this incredible home, making sure every detail was approached with meticulous historical accuracy. The Paradises had a stellar team in architect Paolo Vicente of Vicente-Burin and builder Corey Fogg of Better Home Building. Elizabeth oversaw the project herself and contributed the crisp, contemporary interior design of all the rooms. She worked closely every day with Vicente and Fogg to realize this vision and bring the home back to its original state of grandeur. Old World luxury inspires the dÊcor of a fire-lit master bedroom, two extraordinary master baths, and customized dressing rooms. The home’s eleven bedrooms are reached by graceful sweeping staircases and a four stop elevator. Original doors, windows, and slate www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 49
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Precisely placed stones provide an exquisite walkway to the pool.
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roof tiles were painstakingly restored, refurbished, and if need be replicated, to beautifully punctuate the charm and accuracy of the renovation. The elegant Georgian home is truly transporting, allowing one to experience the nostalgia and glamour of the Rockefeller legacy.
RIGHT: A custom chaise provides an area of comfort for further indulgence in the master bathroom. BELOW RIGHT: A pristine view adjacent to a crisp white and marble counter top vanity. In the mirror’s reflection is a solid marble bathtub.
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Highly sophistaicated exceptionally beautiful shingle & stone exteriors create an unquestionable elegance at Lily’s Path
The Best of Both Worlds In-town living at the height of luxury
| By Bruna Martins | Photography by Thomas McGovern | 52 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
Estate-like patios adorn each individual unit at Arbor Rose, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere. www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 53
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Albert and Dianne Orlando know a thing or two about real estate development. In the last six years, this power couple has built a sense of community in downtown Greenwich, one multi-million dollar home at a time. In 2003, Albert Orlando placed the energies of Orlando Development Company, which he formed in 1978, to downtown Greenwich, and began the award-winning, gated community Arbor Rose. This 10-unit condominium is located on East Elm Street, blocks away from Greenwich Avenue, considered by many as the “Rodeo Drive” of the East Coast. Arbor Rose was the first development of its kind to offer Connecticut’s affluent homeowners estate living right in the heart of downtown Greenwich. Arbor Rose is located at 90-104 East Elm Street. This highly sophisticated and exclusive condominium has aesthetic continuity in that all the homes were built with shingle and stone style exteriors. A solid mahogany front door and an enchanting four-foot wide sweeping staircase welcome owners. All first floor quarters have astonishing coffered ten-foot ceilings, flawlessly finished with broad, formal crown moldings and paneled walls. These homes range from 3,800 to 4,800 square feet, and they were sold for as much as $2,950,00, which resold in early 2009 for $3,800,000. It was his impeccable design and architecture that earned Orlando, and Arbor Rose, the “ Best Small Attached Community” award by the Home Builder’s Association in 2006. Across the street from Arbor Rose is Lily’s Path; The Orlando Development Company’s second award-winning project. In 2006, Lily’s Path earned the “Best Attached Home”, and in 2007 the “Best Smart Growth Community in Fairfield Country”, given by the Home Builder’s Association of Connecticut. Lily’s Path, named after the
ABOVE: Every Arbor Rose living room has coffered ten-foot ceilings, finished with broad, formal crown moldings and paneled walls. BELOW: Dianne and Albert Orlando, Arbor Rose residents, enjoy a quiet afternoon in the comfort of their exclusive home patio. 54 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
This private stone patio brings charm & elegance to a residence at Lily’s Path.
www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 55
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Orlando’s first grandchild, is also a 10-unit condominium located at 91 East Elm Street with a breathtaking, picturesque view of downtown Greenwich. Albert Orlando teamed up with architect Thomas W. Thornton to make his second project come to life. Dianne and Albert Orlando used only the finest materials, no expense spared, to build these suburban-like homes in the hustle and bustle of downtown living , which sold for as much as $6,000,000. Having sold 19 of its 20 homes on East Elm Street, the Orlando’s have begun their final gate community, The Residences, just down the street at 106 East Elm. For the architectural features, Thomas Winfield Thornton, joined the team again, and James Doyle Design Associates for the property features and finishes . This four home last installment is unique in the area for its true one story living and for giving owners the option to finish other floors as budget, time, and preference allows. Homes can be as small as $4,500 square feet, or as large as 8,000 square feet, and priced accordingly. The Orlando’s vision of downtown Greenwich will be complete for occupancy in the spring of 2010, with the completion of the first homes as The Residences. All three projects- Arbor Rose, Lily’s Path, and The Residences- offer homeowners the pleasure of downtown living, with walking proximity to restaurants and shops, but with every luxurious amenities of the backcountry.
ABOVE: Residents are Lily’s Path can travel to the countryside without living their homes, with patios that drift you away from the hustle and bustle of city living. BELOW: Impeccable interior decoration gives each individual Arbor Rose unit a unique and sophisticated look and feel. 56 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
| HOMES |
GILLES CLEMENT’S
This particular home already had a living room, a family room and a study, therefore this room, (which being a small room with a lot of passage represents a typical issue to a lot of home owners) opened by a standard size doorway on the living-room, a double French door on the garden and a smaller doorway on the foyer needed to find a purpose. This is a small room and in small rooms, function often determines 58 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
ROOMSCAPES | By Gilles Clement & Janiece Jackson | Photography by Thomas McGovern |
design. They are numerous in nineteen Century dwellings as perfect refuges for solitary rest, places of concentration and work, and rooms of reserved intimacy. Since the home owner already owned a baby-grand piano, the room was created around it. It is always good when you have such room to start with a theme based on one of your main interest or passion, it means you will use the room and it gives you the foundation to build upon it. www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 59
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N
aturally it is primordial to keep a visual balance within the space; it comforts the eye and discreetly prevents an immediate perception of the individual elements, offering a more distinguished visual perception of the room. A stunning eighteen Century style French writing desk, purposively oversized to balance the weight of the piano offers as well a great working surface for reading large books or writing. The piano and the writing desk were placed in parallel angles to leave the walkways between the doors available for passage. A very elegant black velvet daybed with gold contrasting welt was designed to create a perpendicular balance for the weight of the piano and the desk as well as to give a great functional piece to listen to music or read. A rare antiqued mirror screen, reminiscent of David Hicks’ designs, and a black lacquer etagere with gold accents, were chosen to lighten the furniture mass by their height. The screen placed behind the daybed, opens the room with its reflection and completes with its distressed gold finish the welting of the daybed, while the etagere, with its open spaces offers a great structure to display antiques and collectibles. The gorgeous draperies made by hand of fine crushed black velvet stripes on an ivory linen, and lined with an exquisite
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two-toned trim, are very highly hung, to better accentuate the height of the ceiling; though they must slightly break on the floor (at least one and a half inch) to create the illusion of heightening the room. Two very fine hand-made Persian rugs with vegetable dyes, orchestrated by gold and blacks complete the color palette of the room, while defining the seating areas, through the warmth of the New Zealand wools and the delicacy of the silk. Lighting is certainly a primordial design element that defines the comfort of a room and that implements its use. In this case we have four different sources of light, each carefully designed to serve its functionality but also to make the room look cozier and more inviting. When accessorizing, using antiques or pieces that tell one of your stories, brought back from your trips or adventures, is a great way to make a room more individualistic. Naturally, dress your walls with real Fine Arts if possible, or like in this case, with exceptional lithographs on aged paper signed by the artist. This room certainly proves that elegance and comfort can work together and as the Italian design icon, Renzo Mongiardino says it so well: “The Goal, the miracle of beauty in art, lies in the rules, but goes beyond the rules…” For resources visit lecirquedesigns.com
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SECRETS of MADISON FALL DESTINATION BY THE SEA BY TRICIA STUART
The heart and soul of Madison, Connecticut is its small town feel and sense of community. A resident of three weeks who moved from New York City enthuses that neighbors are friendly, bringing homemade cookies to her new home. But Madison is also sophisticated with an enticing potpourri of cultural activities. The shoreline community has an ideal location; a short two-hour ride from the new train station takes Shore Line East commuters to Boston or New York City. Nestled between sophisticated Fairfield County and the Route 9 corridor of Middlesex County, Madison, CT in New Haven County has a front row view of Long Island Sound that is bookended by Cockaponset State Forest to the north and Hammonasset State Park and Beach on the south end. Bus, air, and rail service is available from New Haven, Hartford, Providence, and New York. World-class music and drama are in nearby New Haven at The Yale Rep, Long Wharf Theatre, and The Shubert; the vintage architectural treasures, Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, and the newly opened Katharine Hepburn Theatre —The Kate— is in neighboring www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 61
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Old Saybrook. The town boasts three museums: The Allis-Bushnell House and Museum —home of the Madison Historical Society, the c. 1685 Deacon John Grave House, and The Lee Academy, a children’s museum with special changing exhibits. First settled in 1641, the town was originally named East Guilford, incorporated in 1826, and then renamed after James Madison, the 4th President of the US. Eileen Banisch, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce says, “Although the town is growing every year, it has measured growth. And Madison is safe.” During her 31-year residency, the town has grown from a population of 10,000 to 18,000. “Madison changed dramatically when I-95 was constructed. Before I-95, Madison was a secret place.” Downtown Madison has an abundance of free parking, and here, the pace is leisurely. Take in the sights and The Sculpture Mile and start a “sculpturerelated discussion of nudes, nonsense and nonobjectivity,” a brochure says. More sculptures and
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shops are at Station Square: Savvy Tea has over 250 loose leaf teas from around the world, gourmet soups, salads, sandwiches, Panini, and hot entrée items. At Homeward Bound find that special something for your home to create interior harmony. They have designs with élan, organic and sustainable furnishings, and they also offer interior design consulting to turn your home into a model showcase. Casual clothing with
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style can be found at Khaki & Black. Now you no longer need to make the trip into the city to get a cutting edge style. Timothy Pamment Salon brings fresh-from-the-runway looks to the shoreline. Their master stylists fit clients with the season’s most popular hairstyles. Owner, Timothy Pamment, stepped out from behind the chair to share insider’s favorites: “The long Bob gracing the heads of fashion muses Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba, and Heidi Klum. Wear it straight, or rough it up for a little texture. Get drop dead gorgeous with a cut that’s soft or sharp, but full of movement, or light up a room with a shade of light golden blonde, deep rich brunette, or glorious red.” Jacqueline at France Ameriques offers 14 years of fashion with a French flair for life in Connecticut, London, Paris, New York, and the islands, where the discriminating woman will find Atelier de Couture, on site expert alterations, and Jacqueline’s own designs. For the frugal fashionista, try Jolie Boutique —the most unique collection of affordable sweaters
www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 63
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on the shoreline, priced from $39, from French inspired boucles to this season’s trendy short sleeves and sweater dresses. An exceptional selection of European table and bed linens, fine china from Glen, Bernardaud, and Wedgewood, tableware from Vietri, Arte Italica, and Mariposa, as well as lighting and accessories can be found at Maggie’s of Madison. Country Shop is a unique woman’s specialty boutique featuring Eileen Fisher and specialty jackets and sweaters. Anna Mia’s features gorgeous women’s and children’s shoes, accessories and gifts. They have a section of earth-friendly shoes and gifts that are organic, vegan,
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recycled, and sustainable, with top-notch customer service. Susan Powell Fine Art specializes in contemporary realism, landscapes, still life paintings, marines, and New York City scenes. Susan is a consultant for 19th century American paintings, she has been an art dealer for over 25 years, she was the Director of American and European Paintings at Doyle New York Auction House, and she has worked at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. Dazzle her —or him— with custom designed jewels from Bella Perlina, where each piece is born of the love of color, texture, and design. Elizabeth’s Café is for the foodie traveler,
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serving lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, rated 28 by Zagat. This Madison landmark lures food lovers from all over Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Indulge, shop, sample, and relax, and behold the pristine white clapboard Victorian houses with wraparound porches, ionic columns and dentil molding, anchored by the venerable circa 1900 E. C. Scranton Memorial Library with brick and stone façade. Turn the corner by the library and take a stroll down Wall Street where more shops offer a bounty of treasures. Give a silk bouquet to your love from Everlastings, specializing in custom silk floral design and realistic botanicals. There, you will also find Limoges, Vera Bradley handbags and luggage, jewelry, cards, distinctive accessories for the home, and fine gifts for all ages and every occasion. Take a stroll and enjoy shopping at Asiye’s Boutique for prom dresses and accessories, special clothes for special events from New York and Europe, from head to toe dressing including jewelry and wardrobe consulting. Ciao Bella Moda International is a 2400 square foot boutique that offers clothing and accessories for tweens, teens, and hip chicks, as well as personal shopping in addition to “Gotta Have It” gift registry, gift cards, and party favors. The Nosey Goose has nine rooms of decorative items for the home and garden, housed in a 1904 home, featuring “Shabby Chic” cottage style furnishings and accessories, along with hand painted white distressed
furniture and unique baby gifts and antiques. Summer House Fine Arts, nestled on the bank of Tuxis pond has owner Laura Prete Pelliccio’s photography, and the current exhibit “A Sense of Place” —powerful yet peaceful abstractions of shore scenes— oil paintings by Eugene Healy, Eliza Draper Gardiner’s master wood block prints, brush and ink sketches by Rudolf Scheffler, and works by Rex Ashlock in an art gallery with a stunning marsh view. Madison is also the place for professional services in facial rejuvenation and cosmetic plastic surgery. Zachary G. Klett, MD at Klett Oculoplastic Surgery has over 13 years experience performing a wide variety of eyelid and related procedures, including blepharoplasty, brow and forehead elevation, and mid-face rejuvenation, as well as extensive expertise using Botox™ and injectable soft-tissue fillers for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Much of the town’s original farm and forested land has been developed for housing, but Madison still has protected lands and forest. The nascent Shoreline Greenway Trail, for walking, jogging, and bicycling will ultimately connect shoreline Madison to East Haven. Some portions are open now in Hammonasset State Park, which has two miles of beaches, a generously proportioned pavilion, well maintained bathhouses, picnic areas, concession stands, and camping available for travelers who are on a budget. The park has fishing and bird watching year round. And speaking of beaches, there is the West Wharf, the Surf Club has a park and athletic activities, and the East Wharf has
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a charming gazebo. “Madison is Westport on sale,” Banisch says. “The real estate has Fairfield County quality at lower prices, but you don’t have Fairfield’s hectic pace or crowds.” It’s easy to walk to the beach, the train, the library, the shops —and the Madison Arts Cinema, an avant-garde theatre. Stop and stay awhile in comfort and luxury—The Scranton Seahorse Inn is close to all that is near and dear to Madison. Housed in the 1833 Greek revival home of Sereno Scranton, The Scranton Seahorse Inn has the charm and ambiance of a historic New England homestead. Seven guest rooms each have a private bath (three with Jacuzzis), cable TV, and the deluxe suite has a fireplace and a rain shower Jacuzzi. Come see why it won the 2007 Shoreline Newspaper Comfiest Bed and Breakfast category, and Best Bed & Breakfast by the New Haven Advocate 2008 Reader’s Poll. Tap your toes to live music at the Farmer’s market every Friday afternoon from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on the town green. From May to October Connecticut farmers bring a bounty of flowers, fresh fish, lamb, soaps, and produce to sell. Newcomers can connect easily with the community by getting involved in and volunteering for the many civic, sports, and social organizations for youth and adults. “It’s a great way for people to get to know each other,” Banisch says. “The level of education in the town is high and there are a lot of professionals here.” Madison is a quintessential small New England town with quiet character, and personal service —a vacation destination so special that some people decide to stay —a slice of paradise.
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| DESTINATIONS |
How
Sweet
It
Is
Not far from Fairfield County is a world of chocolate, music and rides that is actually the only vacation spot of its kind
| By Linda C. Donnelly | www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 67
| DESTINATIONS | At 23,500 square feet, this American landmark offers nearly 300 guest rooms. The Hotel Hershey is also a member of “Historic Hotels of America”.
M
any amusement parks boast roller coasters rides of dizzying heights. Water parks around the country are filled with enormous splashing free falls and lazy rivers, and quite a few food-related tours dot the east coast. No other destination combines all three and adds the height of luxury and elegance the way Hershey Park does. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, about a 3-hour drive from lower Connecticut, this family-oriented oasis is pristine and sophisticated. It seems no expense has been spared on the landscape architecture and gardens, the décor, the cleanliness, or the staff. Usually theme park locales sacrifice sophistication for spill-proof polyester fabrics, nylon carpet, and coarse wood furnishings. The décor at Hershey is primarily the result of design firm C2 Limited (www.c2limited.com), right from the local town of Fairfield. Designers Craig Smith and Christina Romann, who have carved a niche in resort design, have once again worked their magic as they did at the Turks and Caicos and Greenbrier Sporting Clubs. They provided their “signature style of classic design for the modern lifestyle” in the newlyrenovated Cottages at Hershey, the farm-fresh Harvest restaurant, the grand hotel lobby, and 68 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
Inside Hershey Park’s Chocolate World, guests can find chocolate treats, gifts and an exciting tour ride, “The Story of Making Chocolate.”
Great Rooms at The Cottages in Hotel Hershey. Luxury guest cottages offer all the luxuries of contemporary living. You can rent out individual rooms or the entire cottage.
The Hotel Hershey lobby is newly remodeled with stained-glass ceilings. www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 69
| DESTINATIONS | You ride the Great Bear below the track with your legs dangling. The speeds reach 61MPH riding the roller coaster.
the Cocoa Kids Club. Uniquely, the cottages provide families the ability to rent entire houses with living and dining rooms, and multiple bedrooms together in a private setting. The historical elements here add an endearing charm and Americana tone. Milton S. Hershey’s story of rags to riches is every entrepreneur’s dream come true. The park is a testament to his accomplishments as a brand strategist and makes every effort to educate its guests on the life and times of this colorful man. There’s a 10-minute mechanical car tour through a chocolate factory and a 3-D film about chocolate with real water and sound effects. You can make your own The Hotel Hershey’s Majestic Garden rests within the hotel’s 300acre hilltop location that overlooks the town of Hershey.
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chocolate candy as a ‘factory worker’ or buy an enormous 5-pound bar. The trolley tour to downtown Hershey brings you to an air-conditioned museum that holds actual artifacts from the early 1900s. This chocolate world leaves you pampered, amused, and educated like a real life Willie Wonka factory, without all those scary Oompa-Loompas. The Hotel Hershey, 100 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA 17033, www.thehotelhershey.com
| DESTINATIONS |
Curious onlookers seem to enjoy the rare site of a horse rider in the midst of Central Park.
HORSEBACK ADVENTURES IN NYC
EQUINE ESCAPE | By Melissa Perkins | Photography by Thomas McGovern |
www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 71
| DESTINATIONS |
A
ll of us know of the usual entertainment detours found in and around New York City’s five boroughs, however there’s still some mystery to be found in this popular destination city. For a truly unique experience enlist Riverdale Stables for a private riding session through Central Park with one of their refined horses. Imagine riding atop a handsome gelding as the foliage takes on its colorful outfit for fall, leaves dancing around you and crunching under the hooves of your trusty steed. Central Park takes on the role of a deciduous sanctuary and its dense forestry shields you from the bustling city streets just steps away, letting you completely forget where you are. Hopefully your not afraid of attention though because you’ll be getting plenty of it. People recognize you right away often approaching and asking, “Are you guys from Riverdale?” or simply, “It’s nice to see people still riding here, haven’t seen that in a while.” Others actually stare with awe struck faces telling you silently
The “clunk clunk” of hooves on the sunkissed pavement mix with the spectacle of fall to make this an affair to remember
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that this is the first time they’ve seen an equestrian in the park. Whether the novice or the seasoned professional, this is a great idea for anyone and the helpful guide can answer any of your questions and assist with walking, trotting and cantering the horse. Nonetheless, this is a refreshing new idea for a day in the city, so if you feel that all the other attractions are played out or simply just too “touristy,” and you enjoy a little adventure give Riverdale Stables a call and reserve your ride today. Riverdale Stables is the only stable that provides horseback riding in New York City and have been in operation for three generations. Riverdale Stables, 960A California Rd. Eastchester, New York, 914-633-0303 for a NYC reservation or to get lessons and guided trail rides at the stables.
Romeo, Riverdale’s choice of horse for the ride
www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 73
| DESTINATIONS |
2:NYC 203’s DAY TriP 2
5 1
1. Ess-A-Bagel, Breakfast Ess a Bagel, Inc. is known for their nationally acclaimed bagels, salads, cream cheese, and meats, as well as a fine assortment of cakes, pastries, rugelach, muffins, and cookies. Coming from an Austrian baking family, it is not surprising that within two years their hand-rolled bagels were voted the best in the tri-state area. 359 1ST Ave New York, NY 10010 - 212-260-2252 2. Riverdale Stables Horseback Riding in Central Park, if your looking for something really special for a lovely lady in your life make sure to request the white gelding, Romeo, who also appears in the feature on the previous pages. 960A California Rd. Eastchester, New York, 914633-0303 for a reservation or to get lessons and guided trail rides at the stables. 3. Inoteca, Lunch It doesn’t get better than the best cheese selection, wine selection and friendly staff. Among the must haves are the truffle toast, select vintage wines, panna cotta, and afogado. 98 Rivington St New York, NY 10002 - 212-614-0473 4. New Museum of Contemporary Art Since it’s opening up 30 years ago, the museum has a variety of ever-changing exhibits to choose from. Posed with some of the best curators in the city, your visit will not be a disappointment. 235 Bowery, New York, NY 10002 - 212-219-1222
4
3
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5. Le Rivage, Dinner With a 1960’s decor coupled with a fine french cuisine, Le Rivage is a definite dinner spot to consider. You will experience grand, yet intimate dining. 340 W 46th St (Between 8th Avenue and 9th Avenue) New York, NY 10036 - 347-748-1134
© 2009 Google - Map Data © 2009 Tele Atlas
| DESTINATIONS |
Your Luck is Grand
The main lobby at MGM Grand.
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Just make the call, MGM will arrange the perfect getaway for you.
The waterfall hot tub at G-Spa in MGM loosens and releases. The waterfall strips the negative energies and stresses that build in the meridians or channels of energy that run through the body, parallel to the spine.
www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 77
| DESTINATIONS |
F
or an undisturbed, stress free weekend getaway, MGM Grand at the Foxwoods Casino Resort is the ideal location. An escape that spares you of the nuisances of delayed flights, baggage fees, and toll booths. The drive to MGM is quite serene, particularly during the autumn season, surrounded by delightful hues of greens, oranges, and reds, in the fall foliage. One thing to bear in mind when considering a weekend at MGM, is the high volume of guests that have the same goals at thought. It is at times nearly impossible to reserve a room at the Resort, so calling MGM directly is far from the best notion. Contacting a V.I.P. host is highly suggested, for they will put their greatest effort towards accommodating your every need, including dinner and entertainment. John Cammarata, V.I.P. host, of Shrine Asian Kitchen Lounge and Nightclub at MGM Grand is a master at assuring guests a wellaccommodated and eventful stay at the resort. Considering the brevity of your getaway, it is Cammarata’s great pleasure to make every hour of your stay at MGM a memorable one, his assistance as a host is essential for the ideal stay. The staff at MGM delights in the contentment of their guests, and the guidance of a Shrine V.I.P. host is entirely complimentary. The check-in time at MGM is 5 p.m., however, you are welcomed to start your day at the resort much earlier; the front desk will gladly and safely hold your belongings so that you may The new 4,000 seat theater at MGM Grand at Foxwoods.
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take full advantage of your weekend at MGM. An ideal place to start your stay would be a visit to the exquisite shops such as, Grand Effects, Panache, Macappeal, and Pandora, that host some the world’s finest brands. Treats at MGM are quite abundant. Gelato Cafe serves 24 flavors of their handcrafted Italian-style ice cream. Gelato is not your only option at this Cafe; their delectable ice cream menu is accompanied by scrumptious bites, such as wraps, paninis, housemade pastries, and breakfast. If the shopping and dining have not yet satisfied you, MGM’s 50,000 square foot casino may just be your lucky stop. With 1,300 slot machines, and 60 table games, you have ample opportunities to take a chance. Now that you have taken a tour of the resort, you are invited to go up to your room and get settled in. In hopes that you are fortunate enough to have reserved a directors suite, you will be welcomed by spacious quarters, panoramic window walls, a kingsize feather bed, an enormous walk-in closet, and a private sitting area. For further indulgence, you will enjoy an exquisite master bathroom featuring a marble bath with five-fixtures, a rain fall shower, and a jacuzzi with a view of the forest as you prepare in luxury for a fantastic evening out. Feel free to pamper yourself with a selection of the finest quality French Pascal Morabito toiletries.
Once settled, it is certain that your V.I.P. host has organized a medley of evening activities, starting with a delicious dinner at Shrine. The decor and theme at Shrine is inspired by ancient Asian cultures, while the menu highlights the finest of Pan-Asian cuisine, prepared by executive chef Kevin Long. If you prefer the foods of Tuscany, Alta Strada is the ideal location for a perfectly prepared bowl of pasta. For a steak of the finest caliber, Craftsteak offers a phenomenal selection, including corn-fed and grass-fed beef, as well as various cuts of Wagyu beef from Japan; this great craft is brought to you by Chef Tom Colicchio, of TV’s Top Chef fame. If you are still filled with energy after dinner, it is quite likely that your V.I.P. host has recommended a show at the MGM Grand Theater, featuring hysterical stand-up comedy, or a concert by a top artist in the state of the art theater. If you party the night away, then an electrifying evening of dancing and cocktails awaits you at the Scorpion Bar or Shrine. The Scorpion Bar will have things stirring with its tequila bar. If you consider yourself a socialite, then a V.I.P. table at Shrine maybe more of your style. If you are lucky you may be seated beside a celebrity or an athlete, which is a common happening at Shrine. If the thought of waking in a plush king-size bed, overlooking the forest was serene, wait until you have experienced the G-Spa. Upon walking into the spa, you are welcomed as though you have known their world class staff for years. Whether looking to be relieved of aches, or are in dire need of relaxation and stress relief, full body massages are tailored to your wants and needs by highly-trained therapists; choosing from an array of techniques to ensure you receive excellent treatment. Once your massage is complete you may walk into the G-Spa’s relaxation facilities where you will encounter a pool, hot tub, steam room, and sauna. You may stay within this relaxing atmosphere as long as you would like. These areas are the perfect way to maximize and culminate your stay at the resort. Although proximal to the Fairfield County area, the experience that you will have at the MGM Grand at the Foxwoods Casino Resort, will be the relaxing escape that you truly deserve.
1,300 slot machines and 60 exciting table games.
An affluent Director’s Suite bedroom.
John Cammarata johnc@shrinemgmfoxwoods.com P: (860)204.6366
Shrine is one of the hottest nightclubs on the northeast. Before the club open Shrine is a top-notch asian restaurant.
www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 79
| DESTINATIONS |
GREEN! READY, SET,
Stepping Stones Museum, where kids are kids and a community goes green
| By Bruna Martins | Photography by Thomas McGovern | 80 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
B
ruce Beinfield, the well-respected and eco-conscious architect behind the revitalization of South Norwalk has embarked on a new project, Stepping Stones Museum for Children. Beinfield is known for designing innovative local restaurants like The Loft, Match, and Ocean Drive, rejuvenating historic SoNo into a dinning mecca. He is now the mastermind behind the three-phase, green expansion project at the nonprofit, award-winning, Stepping Stones Museum for Children. The first phase, which opened this summer, inaugurated an outdoor permanent tent that will host performances and events year-round. This tensile structure, one of the only in the area, is a sustainable design supported with custom steel beams and teflon fabric. The floor is made out of eco-friendly rubber, with big building blocks, and life-sized games for kids to play. The second phase will be completed in the spring of 2010. Children and the community will learn about harnessing energy. It will contain three main sculptures, which have been designed to render wind, solar, and water energy. The final phase in this enhancing development will be completed in November 2010 with the finished addition of 22,000 square feet. This multi-million dollar project will propel Stepping Stones Museum for Children, into a museum of the future, where a community grow together and kids learn how to be the citizens of tomorrow. The museum is in the midst of a capital campaign to raise funds for the museum’s expansion. Please contact Stepping Stones at 203-899-0606, ext. 262 for more information on ways to give and get involved.
OPPOSITE PAGE: One of the only permanent tented structure in the area to host concerts and events year-round. TOP RIGHT: From left to right: Andy Garfunkel, Meribeth Becker, and Bruce Beinfield stand on rubber floors made out of recycled tires at the Grand Opening Celebration for the Enhanced Gullquist Family Celebration Courtyard. BOTTOM RIGHT: From left to right: Anne Mullin (black shirt) of Darien, Stepping Stones Board member and three sons. Anne and Herb Gullquist of New Canaan. Mayor Richard. Moccia, Norwalk. Rhonda Kiest, Executive Director of Stepping Stones. John Foster of Wilton, Chair of the Stepping Stones Board of Directors. www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 81
| PROFILES |
15 Owner Minutes with matt Bongiovi of 84 Park, Where the city that works plays
| By Bruna Martins | Photography by Thomas McGovern | 82 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
From
the spotlight to the nightlife, Matt Bongiovi teams up with Connecticut’s powerhouse, Post Road Entertainment, to lunch the next generation of ultra lounge, 84 PARK. Being in the entertainment business for over a decade and working for some of the industry’s giants like House of Blues and Clear Channel, and with the awardwinning Elements Steakhouse & Lounge in his home state of New Jersey, Matt Bongiovi takes a leap of faith in Stamford. 203 had the privilege to sit down with Bongiovi to find out about the spot that has Connecticut buzzing. 203: Why Stamford? Bongiovi: Being from Jersey I didn’t know much about Connecticut, but I came in with an open mind, and the friendliness in Stamford really intrigued me. Once I got to know the Post Road guys and saw their organization, I knew it would be worth the merge. I don’t know if I am jaded being from Jersey, but everyone seems really nice and I knew this would be the perfect spot. 203: With Elements, you and your business partner, Vicenzo Rizzo, were inspired by the principles of feng shui for the architectural design and décor. Was there a similar inspiration for 84? Bongiovi: Completely different. I think I’ve grown from where we started 6 years ago. With that concept, in particular, was something that was very fresh and new, and you kind of have to move with the time and trends. For me, the thing that is important is the comfort level, and that idea has been something festering in my mind every since I opened Elements, what was my next thing to be? Well, now we know.
was meant to be. The term, unfortunately, is used too freely, and truly I would say that 90% of what’s out there calling themselves an ultra lounge are night clubs. 84 PARK is going to bring back the idea of what an ultra lounge is suppose to be, a boutique ultra lounge.
203: Tell us a about the drink menu. Is there a house drink or specialty? Bongiovi: The drink menu is a mixture of classic cocktails, as well as our specialty, martinis. One of the things that we do is we don’t use anything rather than fresh purees. An apple martini will be a true puree of apples. The menu will be changing seasonally by our in-house mixologist. 203: What kind of atmosphere/ vibe are you hoping 84 PARK will create? Bongiovi: A Miami scene in Stamford. What we are doing here is raising the bar. The clientele that we look for is more of the young professional, the trendsetters, the hipsters, but not necessarily the place where the college student is coming to play beer pong. What we strive for is truly bringing service back into the industry. What we are doing is creating an ultra lounge, in a sense of what an ultra lounge
203: You’ve been in the entertainment business for over 10 years and along the way you have built many relationships with famous artists and musicians, can we expect special guest appearances at 84? Bongiovi: Absolutely. We want to make 84 a safe haven, where the celebrity can come and be normal. I can relate to an artist and know what their needs are. My staff had to sign a confidentiality agreement. They will be definitely coming, who, what, and when is to be determined, but you can definitely expect Jon to be here. 203: Is 84 PARK everything that you hoped to be? Bongiovi: I look at 84 and it has honestly bypassed my own expectations. I really want people to be able to have an experience, that they are not coming to spend money and leave. I want the overall experience to be there. What we do with bottle service here, you are paying for an experience. The service is going to be impeccable whether you are a CEO, or the guy working construction, you will both be treated like rockstars. 84 PARK is located at 84 West Park Place, Stamford. 203-973-0300, www.84park.com.
www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 83
| FINER THINGS |
84 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
HIM: ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA: CHARCOAL CHECK 2 BUTTON MILANO SUIT | SMALL BLUE CHECK SATORIAL FIT DRESS SHIRT | LIGHT BLUE WOVEN TIE | BRIONI: Black handmade calf skin leather belt HER: BLACK LABEL ARMANI: BLACK VELOUR DRESS | Mitchells Fine Jewelry Collection: 14CT Platinum diamond necklace| Platinum 8CT asscher cut diamond ring
FASHION YOU FALL FOR
| MODELS: NANCY VIGA & ROY JANN | | PHOTOGRAPHY BY Thomas McGOVERN | | STYLING BY Rocco Messina | | Hair Styling by Becker Chicaiza | | Makeup by Lucas Moura |
SPECIAL THANKS TO: RICHARDS OF GREENWICH | | Becker Salon, Greenwich, CT | | ELLIOT LOWY, Louis Newman & Company, LLC. | | Naki Halepas, jewelry specialist | www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 85
| FINER THINGS |
Black Label Armani: Chocolate velvet dress Manolo Blahnik: Mary jane patent leather Judith Leiber: Gold clutch back wall: Fall Prada bags
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Brunello Cucinelli: Knit sherling vest | Cotton stretch blouse with contrast in color | European cut jeans | Cashmere hobo leather bag | Suede ankle boot www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 87
| FINER THINGS |
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Brunello cucinelli: Sherling car coat length suiT | Suede ankle booties with laces | Grey flannel crop pant | Leather belt | Blouse with grey neck detail
Brunello cucinelli: Sherling car coat length suiT | Blouse with grey neck detail | Sherling weekend bag | SCARF
www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 89
| FINER THINGS |
HIM: Brunello cucinelli: Suede brown vest with cashmere lining | Purple striped sport shirt | Grey cashmere half zip sweater | Navy five pocket sport slack | Toboot brown suede lace up boot HER: Brunello cucinelli: Sherling car coat length suit | Suede ankle booties with laces | Grey flannel crop pant | Leather belt | Blouse with grey neck detail 90 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
MICHAEL KORS: Grey suit | belt | BLACK LABEL Armani: calf skin bag | Vince: draped front sleeveless shell. www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 91
| FINER THINGS |
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA: CHARCOAL CHECK TWO BUTTON MILANO SUIT | SMALL BLUE CHECK SATORIAL FIT DRESS SHIRT | LIGHT BLUE WOVEN TIE | BLACK LACE UP DRESS SHOE | Brioni: Black handmade calf skin leather belt 92 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA: CHARCOAL CHECK TWO BUTTON MILANO SUIT | SMALL BLUE CHECK SATORIAL FIT DRESS SHIRT | LIGHT BLUE WOVEN TIE | BLACK LACE UP DRESS SHOE | Brioni: Black handmade calf skin leather belt
www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 93
| FINER THINGS |
Behind the Scenes
with Gene
A
| By Bruna Martins |
few years ago Gene Arganese was a real estate developer and a connoisseur of cigars. Today he has left his real estate days behind and is developing his passion into something new, his very own brand of cigars. In 2005, Gene began searching for his own factory to purchase. He found the perfect location in the La Palma Free Zone just outside Santiago in Tamboril, Dominican Republic. Gene completely renovated the building and purchased the best equipment money could buy for manufacturing the cigars, including replacing old wooden cigar molds with plastic cigar molds and all new presses. He also built a two story humidor and state-of-the-art aging rooms for his masterpieces. To complete the team, Gene hired the best rollers, a master cigar blender with years of experience, and began putting the winning group to work. Today Arganese Cigars has experienced tremendous growth. In 2008 Robb Reports Best of the Best 2008, dubbed the Uno by Arganese one of the top ten cigars in the world. The Uno also received the gold medal at the International Cigar Competition in September 2008, while the Arganese ML3 took the bronze. Gene, originally from Connecticut, now resides in his 7,000 square foot Villa Arganese in Santiago. He says that he’s not in this business for money, “Our mission statement is to make the world’s finest cigars and to give a great cigar for a fair price. In the end, I think that is how we will succeed.” Arganese Cigars are available throughout Fairfield County, including: Arcade Cigars, located at 2060 Post Rd. Fairfield, 203-259-1994 M&M Cigar Lounge and Store, located at 83 Washington St., Norwalk, 203-853-9748. or through his web-site: www.cigarfactorydirect.com TOP: Bundles of 50 CL3 hundred percent Cuban Corojo Wrappers cigars sitting in the aging room. MIDDLE: Gene Arganese and one of his lead growers check the tobacco for consistency and quality in his Tamboril, Dominican Republic factory. BOTTOM: The aging room, for quality and environment control, is where cigars are stored after produced in bundles of 50 to ferment and age together. 94 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
| FINER THINGS |
The Finest Body From damage repairs to high-end customizing, J&B Body Works will transform your vehicle into the car of your dreams
Repaired 2009 black Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG sitting at Lorenzo Custom Cars, alongside finished vehicles.
| By Bruna Martins & Janiece Jackson | Photography by Thomas McGovern | www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 95
| FINER THINGS |
A
FTER walking into J&B Body Works, it is obvious why this is a highly-regarded auto body in the tri-state area. This 6 building body shop is far from typical and ordinary. Here, you will find cars of the highest caliber only, ranging from Ferraris, Mercedes, and BMWs, to Bentleys and Porches. That is because at J&B they specialize
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solely in high-end customizing and repair. Minor collisions and full body repairs are not the only jobs that have given this auto body its fame and popularity. J&B can do anything to enhance and improve the look of any vehicle; from remote control starters, custom built TVs, low jack, emblem removal, custom wheels and
ABOVE: JD at work in the Lorenzo garage. BELOW: Garage of J&B Body Works, where the vehicles are repaired and customized.
tires, down to a unique paint job, to completely transform the look of your car. Plus, all workers are factory trained in Europe to ensure that the every vehicle looks as good as new. It comes as no surprise that J&B Auto Body has an extensive, and exclusive, list of clientele that includes, New York Yankees and Knicks players, as well as a majority of clients from the 203. Having worked on hundreds of cars, and with years of experience under its hood, J&B is the best place, in the region, to offer full customizing and repair of cars. Stop by J&B Body Works to see for yourself. JD, the man in charge of repairing and customizing hundreds of luxury cars, and his friendly crew take complete and total care of each and every vehicle. They even arrange for a rental car, if needed; it doesn’t get much better than this. 38 Beach Street Mount Vermon, NY 10550 Phone: 914.664.8080 Cell: 914.447.1623 email: www.lorenzotintny.com
TOP LEFT: Front entrance to J&B Auto Body Works TOP RIGHT: All custom rims are chosen depending on the car. MIDDLE RIGHT: Before and after of a front bumper damage on a 2009 Ferrari F430. BOTTOM RIGHT: J&B Body Works’ employee, Stretch, is polishing a brand new 2009 Range Rover at J&B Body Works.
www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 97
| FINER THINGS |
SNAPSHOT SHOOTOUT
FASHIONISTA Canon PowerShot S90
Panasonic Lumix LX3
Price
$429.99
$429.99
Resolution
10.0MP
10.1MP
Speed
0.9FPS
2.5FPS
28-105MM F2.0-4.9
24-60MM F2.0-F2.8
Movie Mode
480P
720P
Weight
195g
265g
Lens
Flash shoe on top allows use of larger Special Features Features a unique control ring that enables control of many camera settings flashes or studio lights along with this such as exposure compensation or zoom. compact camera.
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203 shows you the best cameras around, whether your looking for the night out snapper or your vacation powerhouse.
PROSUMER Canon EOS 7D
Nikon D300s
Body Price
$1699.99
$1799.99
Resolution
18.0MP
12.3MP
8FPS
7FPS
ISO Speeds
100-6400ISO
200-3200ISO
Movie Mode
1080P 24FPS, 720P 60FPS
720P 24FPS
Body Weight
860g
938g
Speed
Special Features Dual axis electronic-level in viewfinder lets you line up horizons or reduce distortions with leveling the camera on a tripod.
Two memory cards slots (CompactFlash and SD), allow you to use your compact cameras memory as well as the more professional memory cards.
www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 47
| FINER THINGS |
M O O D BY THE G L A S S
Choose your mood
| By Bruna Martins | Photography by Thomas McGovern | 100 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
SPOTLIGHT ON: HOBNOB WINES LOUD Shiraz
POLISHED Pinot Noir
SEDUCTIVE Cabernet Sauvignon
Shiraz 2006 is full and rich in taste, a velvety texture with delicate hints of vanilla. It shows savory blackberry, plum, and pepper flavors, enhanced with a touch of wood chips. Served with mushroom sauces, pizza, Swiss-cheese burger, and sushi.
Smooth and rich medium-bodied. Supple in texture and depth, with soft tannins. Pinot Noir 2007 brims with cherry flavors and it is best paired with soy sauce, prime rib, sausage, and dried cranberries.
From the foothills of Southern France, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 has an ambrosial, well-balanced taste with supple vanilla tannins and subtle wafts of spices and woodsy notes. Recommended with marinara sauces, filet mignon, roasted veal, and chocolate.
REFRESHED Chardonnay Crisp and refreshing from the sunny hills of Southern France. Bursting with ample hazelnuts, almonds, and honey aromas and flavors. Gentle finish with a hint of bitterness. Enjoyed with cream sauces, blackened salmon, and calamari.
DYNAMIC Merlot Harvested in the elegant, sun drenched hills of Southern France. Dark and rich, with a palatable ripe plum taste. Blackberry, mint and licorice aromas are infused to give the Merlot 2006 its soft finish. Best served with marinara sauces, filet mignon, roasted veal, and chocolate.
| Photographed at Bond Grill, Norwalk |
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| FINER THINGS |
COCKTAIL CORNER Stamford’s Grand restaurant & lounge pours us one of it’s select drinks to get the night started
| By Adonis Filpo | Photography by Thomas McGovern | Drink prepared by Carla Capozziello | 102 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
GRAND Restaurant & Lounge, Stamford
Flirtini
A ripened strawberry gently kisses the salted martini rim of this crisp and invigorating specialty martini, made up of raspberry vodka, chambord, fresh pineapple, and sparkling wine.
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| FINER THINGS |
o nt t an gi in fesGerm pp er this Ta obug to n t m itio Ok its trad
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| By Bruna Martins | Photography by Thomas McGovern | 104 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
C
olorful, crisp foliage in hues of red, orange, and yellow falling from bright trees, accompanied by a spine-chilling cool breeze, can only mean one thing, fall is here. As the temperature gets colder, the beer gets darker, and the autumn sky brings us Oktoberfest. Originally a commemoration for the marriage of Bavarian Prince Ludwig on October 12, 1810, Oktoberfest is now the world’s largest beer fest. The 16-day fair runs from September to the first Sunday in October, when the weather conditions are much more pleasant. During the months of Oktoberfest, The Ginger Man, located in South Norwalk offers a little taste of Germany. Here, the beer is served the German way, brewed with barley, hops, malt, yeast, and seasonal spices like pumpkin. They also have an extensive menu with over one hundred types of draft and bottled beers combined.
Different types of wursts and other German delicacies are also available. To accompany their food in an authentic fashion, clients can enjoy their beer out of liter mugs, an Oktoberfest staple. For the devout beer drinker, monthly five-course beer & malt dinners are offered. Each course is paired with a different regional, or international beer that was also used in the preparation of the dish. Fall is the perfect season to indulge in a mix of beer and food. Visit The Ginger Man this autumn to take part in a local Oktoberfest celebration. The Ginger Man, 99 Washington Street, South Norwalk Telephone: 203.354.0163 www.gingermannorwalk.com
A selection of spiced and Oktoberfest beers from The Ginger Man.
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| FINER THINGS |
Sky cleans every hookah everyday to ensure the consistency of the flavors.
A Whole
New World Sky Hookah Lounge presents a traditional way to relax and socialize
Heat from the coals placed on the hookah release your flavor into the smoke.
It is traditionally considered to be in bad taste to handle the coals.
| By Melissa Perkins | Photography by Thomas McGovern | 106 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
F
irst you’ll notice the people: individual’s bubble with excitement as they gather outside the front doors and mingle. Some nights they chit chat, others freestyle, rhyme or recite poetry. Then you notice the lights; cast from inside the lounge they eagerly escape into the streets after dancing off the vibrantly colored silk tapestries hung from the ceiling. They radiate in gold and royal purple and are enhanced by the glowing embers of the coals used to light your hookah. Going inside Sky Hookah Lounge is like traveling to a whole new world. Indian music plays as the belly dancers take to the floor and shimmy their hips to the beats; their belly chains jangling to their own rhythm. Smoking hookah is becoming increasingly popular, however it is not an event to partake in simply to smoke; it is a relaxing experience meant to bring people together and promote socializing. Hookahs have been around for over a millennium. Modern hookahs are usually constructed from a glass base with a head on the top and a flexible tube. The hookah base looks much like a vase, and is meant to be half filled with water. The head is where molasses is placed and then hot coals are placed on top of the molasses. You then hold the tube and inhale the smoke that has been filtered through the water. As you inhale you can taste all the wonderful flavors swirling in your mouth. As you smoke hookah, you are meant to take your time and talk with friends around you. Hookah, traditionally is said to teach people patience and appreciation. Anwar Malas and Jamil Azhari, the owners of Sky Hookah, wanted to create something different for their clients. Malas noticed that there weren’t many options for hookah smokers in Fairfield County. Being an avid hookah smoker himself, he used to
drive to New Jersey twice a week to satisfy his appetite for hookah. Malas already exhibits a business savvy well beyond his years and that shows in his selection for a partner. “I decided to go into a partnership with Jamil because he owns a hookah lounge in California and we knew each other from a lounge in New Haven. When I got the permits, I approached him and asked if he wanted to be partners and he said yes,” explained Malas. Well, these two young men definitely offer something different, besides just being the only hookah lounge in Fairfield County. Malas sells no tobacco products at Sky, saying, “We import our molasses from Dubai. Usually other lounges use tobacco but molasses doesn’t have any negative effect on you. It’s basically just flavor and smoke.” They also take special care to designate tubes and hookahs to their respective flavors so that flavors don’t cross contaminate, “For example, you order apple and when you get the apple flavored hookah it tastes like grape. So here every flavor has a different hose and every flavor has a different hookah, and we clean the hookahs every single day,” explained Malas. “That is why our hookahs are always clean and perfect to the taste, plus we get the best molasses.” It seems as though all of the thought put into the hookah lounge is paying off. Malas recently purchased the space next door to the lounge and plans on opening a café or bar and grill; Sky Hookah has recently started accepting catering jobs for private affairs. The duo is also excited to expand into multiple locations with the Sky Hookah Lounge franchise. The Sky Hookah Lounge is located at 689 Kings Highway East in Fairfield, CT 203-338-0316
ABOVE RIGHT: A guest slowly inhales from the hookah while swapping stories with friends.
Once seated you are brought a menu of all the delicious samplings to smoke, ranging from fruity varieties, such as peach, strawberry and guava, to coffee house inspirations like chocolate and cappuccino. There are also herbal delights offered, such as mint and floral selections like jasmine and rose. You can even choose from candy flavors like Coca Cola and bubblegum. www.203lifestyle.com • FALL 2009 107
203lifestyle.com Alive @ 5 - Stamford
108 FALL 2009 • 203 Modern Affluent Living
203nights.com Shrine - MGM Foxwoods - Industry Night
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203nights.com 84 PARK - Stamford - Issue 2 Launch Parties
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203nights.com Tengda Hibachi - Milford - Grand Opening
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203 M o d e r n
A f f l u e n t
L i v i n g
‘til next time…
WRIGHT BROTHERS BUILDERS, INC.
HONESTY. INTEGRITY. CONSISTENCY. THE FOUNDATION OF EVERY HOME WE BUILD.
The Wright Relationship Makes All The Difference
For more information call (203) 227-8215. Visit us at www.wrightbuild.com.
CT Contractor’s #519933