Westport , CT June 2019 by City Lifestyle

JUNE 2019

LifestylePubs.com/Westport

THE MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ISSUE

OUR ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JUNE 2019 PUBLISHER

Marisa MacLean | marisa.maclean@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL SUPERVISOR

Robin Moyer Chung | robin.chung@lifestylepubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sophia Andersen, Robin Moyer Chung, Marisa MacLean

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mindy Briar, John Videler

JUNE IS A BUSY AND FUN TIME OF YEAR FOR MOST OF US. This year, though, June is an extra special month for me. This month marks the one-year anniversary of Westport Lifestyle magazine. I am so excited about this first-anniversary issue and couldn’t be more grateful to all of our contributors and advertising partners who made it possible. The Westport Lifestyle team and I are honored to reach so many homes and lives through these pages. The community’s response has been extremely positive, and we encourage you to continue to share your feedback and stories with us—after all, this is your magazine. In addition to our one-year anniversary, we also celebrate the men in our town. Gentlemen, you’ve waited patiently for your turn. Last month, we brought you our Women’s issue, and this month, the publication is dedicated to the men of Westport. Of course, there’s Father’s Day on June 16—but there are so many more reasons

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

why it’s great to be a guy this month. With the summer season underway, the long,

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

sunny days can be filled with backyard cookouts (hint hint: check out the grilling

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

tips on page 50), baseball games, trips and so much more. To gather information

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

for this issue, we reached out to the experts, the men of Westport. You might even

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

recognize a few faces. So, gents, crack open a cold one—perhaps at Rothbard—because this month is all about you!

EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

See you around,

Marisa MacLean, Publisher

ON THE COVER Stephen Kempson of Stephen Kempson London measuring a custom suit. Turn to page 20 for our feature story on this locally owned shop.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY BRIAR 6

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Westport Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Westport areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Westport Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE JUNE 2019

FEATURES 20 A Perfect Fit Stephen Kempson London is Westport’s Hidden Sartorial Gem

26 Conversations with Six Great Guys What the Men of Westport and Weston Are Talking About

32 Dude Food Real Men Eat Charcuterie

26 20

38 Hurricane Maria: An Untold Story How a Plastic Surgeon from Westport Silently Saved Lives

DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

20 Locally Owned 32 Hot Spot 38 Inspired By 44 Publisher’s Letter 48 Lifestyle Calendar 50 Culinary Creations

GOOD TIMES 1.

Dream Event for A Better Chance A Better Chance of Westport held its annual Dream Event at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton March 30. ABC strives to provide academically gifted, economically disadvantaged and highly motivated young men of color the opportunity to live in Westport and study at Staples High School. PHOTOGRAPHY BY COREY HUDSON

10.

11.

12.

1. Joanne DiNapoli, Michele Mitnick and Michael Wolfe | 2. L to R: Darby Aurelien, Jalen St. Fort, Diego DeLeon, Samir Mott, Samantha Henske, Lori Sochol, Mannasses Ogutu and David Li | 3. Martha Mintzer, David Li and Lori Sochol | 4. Nancy and Larry Portman | 5. Joanne DiNapoli and Keith Price | 6. First Selectman Jim Marpe, Mary Ellen Marpe, Jalen St. Fort and Samir Mott | 7. L to R: Diego DeLeon, Jarod Ferguson, David Li and Mannasses Ogutu | 8. L to R: Samir Mott, Jalen St. Fort, Nasir Wynruit, David Li, Darby Aurelien, Diego DeLeon and Yoel Hooper-Antunez | 9. The Staples High School Orphenians | 10. Anne Marie and Patrick Fox | 11. Joanne Heller and Michele Mitnick | 12. Judith Henrice (mother) and Darby Aurelien 10

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

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GOOD TIMES 1.

Cocktails for a Cure The sold-out Cocktails for a Cure fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research took place at The Westport Country Playhouse April 4. All proceeds from ticket sales and donations were donated to The Lustgarten Foundation, the nation’s largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE DELLINGER

1. Event co-founders Jennifer Greely, Jessica Newshel and Natalie Kroft | 2. Sold-out event at the Westport Playhouse | 3. A group of Westport moms pose for a photo. | 4. Lew Bender, president and CEO of Westport-based Intensity Therapeutics | 5. Barry and Carol Haber with Elaine Shay and her kids, Strat and Seren Becker, who lost their father to pancreatic cancer. | 6. Christopher Buckley, Natalie Kroft, Mark Ciano, Christy and Justin Charise and Trudie Gubitz | 7. Jen and Dave Greely | 8. TCS synagogue members attend the event. 12

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

Photographed by Tim Lenz

AWARD WINNING KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN

AROUND TOWN

RESOURCING: A TACTILE FIBER TALE BY SOOO-Z MASTROPIETRO The artist is in! Working with fiber-tube remnants from previous projects, Westport resident Sooo-z Mastropietro is creating fiber sculpture that continues to grow, expand and morph into different configurations. She’ll be in residence and working in her “studio” at Westport Library's small conference room for nearly three weeks and invites you to come say hello and take a look.

YANKEE DOODLE FAIR JUNE 13–16 The signature fundraiser of the Westport Woman's Club, adored by generations of residents and visitors, features carnival rides, a food court, a bake sale, a raffle and carnival games. Proceeds from this annual event provide most of the monies for the WWC grants to local community service organizations and the need-based scholarships for Staples High School seniors. 44 Imperial Avenue, Westport 14

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

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WESTPORT LIBRARY RIBBON CUTTING The Westport Library is excited to announce the opening of the newly transformed library on Sunday, June 23. More information on opening weekend events to come. Follow the library on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for continued updates, or subscribe to the e-newsletter at WestportLibrary.org.

COCKTAILS AND CLAMS Join us dockside on Norwalk Harbor on June 8 for “Cocktails and Clams,” a fundraiser to benefit the Harbor Watch program. Harbor Watch is a water quality research and education program serving Fairfield County and beyond. Based at Earthplace in Westport, the mission of Harbor Watch is to improve water quality and ecosystem health in Connecticut. Tickets for the event will sell out in advance, so be sure to visit HarborWatch.org to purchase yours.

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1979 REUNION Join us for our 40th class reunion, "Party Like It's 1979," on Saturday, June 22 from 6:30–10:30 p.m. at the Westport Woman’s Club. A welcome party on Friday night at the Black Duck includes the band the 5 O’Clocks, featuring our own John Lamb and Paula Gallo. On Saturday, join

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June 2019 | Westport Lifestyle

AROUND TOWN (CON TI N UED)

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Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

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LOCALLY OWNED

ARTICLE SOPHIA ANDERSEN | PHOTOGRAPHY MINDY BRIAR

A PERFECT FIT STEPHEN KEMPSON LONDON IS WESTPORT’S HIDDEN SARTORIAL GEM

WALKING INTO STEPHEN KEMPSON

“It’s important to have a level of confidence when you put

LONDON, LOCATED ON THE SAUGATUCK

something on,” Stephen says. “I strive to take someone a little

RIVER, IS AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE IN

bit out of their comfort zone in the sense that maybe I suggest

AND OF ITSELF. The atmosphere is sophisti-

something they wouldn’t normally pick up or buy when they

cated yet welcoming. A massive wood presen-

walk into a store. But there’s nothing intimidating about the pro-

tation table, designed by Stephen Kempson

cess—walking in here, being able to sit down and have a glass of

himself, draws the eye as you walk through the

wine—it should be fun.”

door. To the right is an open work area where

Stephen’s love for clothing started at a young age after he realized

clothing is stitched and seamed before your

becoming a professional soccer player might not be in his cards. At

eyes. Walk a little further into the showroom,

16 he started working for a small family tailoring business near his

and you will come to a fully stocked bar, luxuri-

home just outside of London. He watched the tailors work and found

ous seating area and an outdoor patio.

it fascinating how a piece of cloth turned into a suit. He later went to

Stephen, owner and founder of bespoke

work for one of the finest fabric houses in Paris, Dormeuil, and luxury

clothier brand Stephen Kempson London, is

fashion companies such as Sulka and Brioni before starting his own

an expert at first impressions, and his show-

business in 2001.

room is no exception.

“There was a part of me that was always an entrepreneur,” Stephen

“It’s a different shopping experience,”

says. “I felt that I had, over the years, gained enough experience and

says Stephen, who is known across the

really understood the luxury side of the industry. I thought I could

industry as one of the finest personal tai-

take that experience and education and turn it into a business.”

“I TRY TO GIVE GUIDANCE, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO THE GARMENT ITSELF, IT’S YOUR SUIT, AND YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE AS MUCH INPUT AS YOU WANT.”

lors in the country. “We’re lucky enough to have this beautiful space that people can

come in and enjoy,” Stephen adds, “But we also work very much in the convenience of someone’s home.”

To some people, the idea of a custom suit

One of Stephen’s goals is to help build a wardrobe that is consis-

tent in fit and style.

“Everything in your wardrobe should feel the same way to give you

the same confidence,” he says.

Stephen stresses the importance of a wardrobe that makes you

feel confident and stylish.

or custom-made clothing is intimidating, but

“The service I provide is very personal. I try to understand my

Stephen makes the process enjoyable and

clients’ schedules and help them prepare when it comes to their

easy with his wealth of knowledge and wel-

wardrobe so they don’t have to think,” he says. “The wardrobe then

coming personality.

becomes an additional confidence factor.”

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

CONTINUED >

“I FIT THE MIND, THEN I FIT THE BODY.”

June 2019 | Westport Lifestyle

LOCALLY OWNED

(CON TI N U ED)

Stephen always takes a client’s personality and preferences into account. “I fit the mind, then I fit the body.” Stephen encourages clients to bring in existing suits or other clothing items in need of tailoring. If you are looking for something special, he also offers custom pieces. “I try to give guidance, but when it comes to the garment itself, it’s your suit, and you should be able to have as much input as you want. I love when a client says, ‘I want to have some fun with this.’” Stephen only works with the finest materials. “Most of our materials are either from Italy or England. Very little comes from other places,” he says. “My shirting fabrics mainly come from Italy or Switzerland. These mills make fabric for top names like Hermès, Gucci, Brioni, Kiton and Brunello Cucinelli. I’m lucky enough to be one of the smaller independent resources around the country to offer the same luxurious fabrics as the luxury houses offer.” After more than 30 years in the industry, Stephen is still passionate about his work. He has outfitted stars in Hollywood, including Pierce Brosnan for his wedding and leaders in business, entertainment and media across the country. Stephen travels to Italy, Northern England and London multiple times a year for fashion shows, to visit fabric mills and for inspiration. 22

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

Stephen's fully stocked bar

Measuring a custom suit

A sewing table

June 2019 | Westport Lifestyle

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Wiley Cerilli

WHAT THE MEN OF WESTPORT AND WESTON ARE TALKING ABOUT

Conversations with Six Great Guys ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG | PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN VIDELER

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

W I L E Y C e r i l l i Co -Fo un der a n d CEO of Good Un cl e a n d B o a r d M em ber o f E x per ien ce C a m ps ON DROPPING OUT OF NYU: “Back then, it wasn’t a cool thing to drop out. But I couldn’t

Photo: Suzanne Sheridan

really afford school, and I had an opportunity to be a part of building something great.” HIS MOM’S REACTION: “Go for it.” ABOUT HIS “LEARNING DIFFERENCES:” “I grew up thinking I wasn’t smart—school was telling me that. I was told I had learning disabilities, now ‘learning differences.’ Most of our education system … is built upon standardized testing, and

W I L L H A S K E L S tat e S en at o r , D i s t r ic t 2 6

that only benefits people who learn in a specific way. I don’t see value in a system that tells a large portion of its kids that they are

ABOUT BEING CONNECTICUT’S YOUNGEST

not smart. Thankfully I had a mom who taught me being different is

STATE SENATOR:

one of the best things you can be.”

“Oh my god, a day doesn’t go by that someone fails to tell me they have a kid my age or a tie my age or even

ABOUT A WELL-KNOWN BUSINESSMAN’S INFAMOUS RANT

underwear my age.”

WHEN WILEY RETURNED HIS $200,000 INVESTMENT IN GOOD UNCLE: “When you grow up seeing someone [Wiley’s mother] sacrifice for other people, giving [the businessman’s] money back wasn’t

ABOUT HIS STAPLES TEACHERS: “I always read my tweets twice and check for typos knowing that my English teachers might see them.”

difficult. I told him the story of my tattoo, based on The Bridge Builder. The young man says ‘Old man, it’s getting dark and you’re

HOW HE GOT HOOKED ON POLITICS:

going to die.’ The old man says, ‘I’ve crossed my own chasms, and

“I remember meeting a senator named Barack

someone younger will try and cross the same ones, I am building

Obama in a high school gym. Even though everyone

this bridge for them.’ I’ll lay off a top performer if he doesn’t share

told me he didn’t have a chance, I wanted to get his

[our company’s] values. We believe the same should apply to team-

signature after the event.”

mates and to investors.” HOW HE COMPARES TO PRINCETON, THE ABOUT HIS PASSION PROJECT AND LOSING HIS FATHER AS

CHARACTER HE PLAYED IN AVENUE Q WHILE IN

A TEENAGER:

THE STAPLES PLAYERS:

“I spend about one-third of my time on Experience Camps. I

“Ha! … I think Princeton’s struggle throughout the show

give the majority of my equity in any new business to the Camp.

is that he doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life. I

It’s my way of building my own bridges for those who come to the

feel really lucky that I found a job that I love right out of col-

same chasms I faced.”

lege. But as the last song in the show tells us, ‘Everything in life is only for now.’ I’m determined to make every day that I spend in the State Senate count, and I’ll never take this job for granted.”

CONTINUED >

June 2019 | Westport Lifestyle

CONVERSATIONS WITH SIX GREAT GUYS

(CON TI N UED)

Photo: David Bravo

J o s é F e l i c i a n o M u s ic i a n , S in ger a n d Com po s er ABOUT HIS RECORDING OF THE DOORS’ LIGHT MY FIRE:

before I did it, practically destroying my career. Now, it’s widely

“I was performing Light My Fire in my stage shows when the RCA

accepted and commonplace. We only hope for a dignified and

producer assigned to me, Rick Jarrad, came in to see my show to learn

well-executed rendition, not one that makes the news because of

about his new artist. He heard me sing it in my own style and recom-

its outlandish or ‘off’ delivery.”

mended strongly, against my better judgment, that I should put it on our album … He had the same insight with regard to my recording a ’new Christmas song,’ as he put it … which, of course, became Feliz Navidad.”

WHO INFLUENCED HIM: “Vera Perret and her husband, Marcel, were a great influence on my life as a teenager. I met them through the

ABOUT HIS NOW-FAMOUS RENDITION OF THE STAR-

Lighthouse for the Blind in New York … Vera brought me to

SPANGLED BANNER IN 1968:

the Village where I [was] discovered by an RCA executive, Jack

“I know others can now render The Star-Spangled Banner with greater individual freedom, something that was unheard of 28

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

Somer … I was playing at Gerde’s Folk City, a coffeehouse in Greenwich Village.”

B I L L M I T C H E L L Mi t c h el ls o f W es t po r t

ABOUT MITCHELLS’ FAMOUS CUSTOMER SERVICE: “The biggest thing is, when you come into the store we say hi—I hope.” ABOUT HIS SOBRIETY AND CONFRONTING THE STIGMA OF ADDICTION: “I’m an alcoholic in recovery, 28 years. We have three generations in recovery. We’re very open about it. We initiated last June a total recovery company at Sacred Heart. “I know me and alcohol addiction, the stigma—it was ‘Shh… don’t say a word.’ We champion recovery. “I was verbally abusive, and it’s painful for me to think about it now. I’m not that guy. I go to [AA] meetings every day.” ABOUT RULES FOR THE HIRING OF FAMILY: “The only really fast rule is that the kids have to go out and work elsewhere after college for five years before working at Mitchells. Then there has to be a legitimate position open. One of my boys cannot replace a manager just because his last name is Mitchell.” ABOUT THE EVER-PRESENT M&MS IN THE WESTPORT STORE: “Ten years ago, I decided to do a survey. 88% of the people took some M&Ms at some point. Now it’s 94%.” HOW HE GOT INTO THE FAMILY BUSINESS: “All I ever wanted to do was be a sportscaster. My father said, ‘I’m going to sell the business if you don’t come in.’ I said, ‘Let me see the balance sheet.’ He said, ‘You can read a balance sheet?’ “To get him off my back, I said I’d work there a year. I lived at home because I didn’t have any money. I came in and worked, and I loved it. I gave him one year … then I gave him 54 more.”

CONTINUED >

June 2019 | Westport Lifestyle

CONVERSATIONS WITH SIX GREAT GUYS

(CON TI N UED)

Photo: John Videler

S A M G A U LT Pr es iden t o f G a ult En er g y a n d H om e S o lu t ion s ABOUT GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY:

M A T T H E W M A N D E L L E x ec u t i v e D ir ec t o r a n d Pr es id en t o f W es t po r t W es t o n C h a m ber o f C o m m er c e ABOUT BEING A LIFELONG TREE HUGGER: “I’ve always been a tree hugger. I tried to save one of the oldest trees in the Bronx, pushing 200 years. I got a guy to stay up there, but the second he went to the bathroom the city swooped in.”

“Philanthropy is core to our family. We prefer to play a role behind the scenes and not in the spotlight. For the library’s annual

ABOUT BEING A DEMOCRAT AND RUNNING THE COC:

book sale, we move books with our forklifts, and we donated

“A lot of people laugh that I’m a Democrat and running the

some of the building supplies for the new renovation. For the

Chamber of Commerce. I don’t see it as political or strictly busi-

Levitt Pavilion gala, our guys help set up and break down the

ness but as being the chief cheerleader of the town.”

stage for the premier performing acts. We also recently donated and installed the standby power generator for the facility.

ABOUT HIS NOTORIOUS COMMUNITY EVENTS:

“As a kid, I remember working with our employees and my

“[The CoC] will be looking to bring more music events includ-

father to break down the annual Rotary Club circus that was held

ing an expanded Supper & Soul, Tuesdays at the Train, more

at the beach. I remember that included cleaning up the elephant

networking for business people and of course the fall will bring

poop left behind…”

the Slice of Saugatuck, Restaurant Week and possibly redo a Fitness Week… right after Restaurant Week.”

OF GAULT’S 150-YEAR HISTORY: “Our red barn on South Compo is part of our family history and dates back to early 1900s. It has troughs and stalls for the animals on the farm back then. There’s a hay silo because we used to farm. We were in the coal business, so there’s a coal silo,

ABOUT BEING THE ONLY MAN IN THE COC TO WEAR AN EARRING: “I always wanted to have one—sort of suits who I am, especially since its been years since I had shoulder-length hair.”

and ice business so there are ice picks. "We focus on the timeline of the business and what were the key things we needed to do as a family to keep up with the changing times, going from horse and buggy to motorized vehicles.”

ABOUT HIS PASSION: “I am an RTM member in my 14th year representing District 1. I work… to protect the character of our community. I've been involved in saving over 39 acres of open space in Westport

WISDOM LEARNED FROM HIS WORK: “Treat people well, and the rest takes care of itself.” 30

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

and Norwalk from development and was instrumental in saving and moving the 1885 Kemper Gunn house downtown.”

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DUDE FOOD REAL MEN EAT CHARCUTERIE ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG | PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN VIDELER

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

IF ROTHBARD ALE + LARDER WERE A GUY, IT WOULD BE ITS CREATOR, JOE FARRELL. The guy born in Brooklyn, raised in Westport, whose beard length is inversely proportional to his lack of sleep. The guy in the flannel shirt you want to hug but don’t because you just met him and that would be awkward. Like Joe, Rothbard is charming, generous and inviting. It welcomes the impromptu dance party and disregards the irony in serving salad straddled by a bratwurst. Both love kids, and both serve Joe’s mother’s Italian butter cookies at holiday time. Joe himself is of Italian/Irish descent. He’s not a chef, he did not grow up cooking and he is not from the South. But he started a wildly successful Southern barbecue joint that he doesn’t call a barbecue joint (it’s Walrus & Carpenter and it’s “smoked meats.”) He then pivoted and opened Rothbard, which specializes in Central European, primarily Alsatian, comfort food and is named after Murray Rothbard, a reactionary and unorthodox economist from Brooklyn. You see, Joe refuses to be “put in a box” despite other’s efforts to the contrary. It may seem like an illogical journey, but it makes perfect sense to him. All he did was create a restaurant where he wants to eat. Turns out everyone else wants to eat there, too. Rothbard attracts all types, from visitors versed in arcane economic texts who recognize Murray’s name, to folks who brazenly admit “the schnitzel is better than my grandma’s!” CONTINUED >

Rothbard's dining room

June 2019 | Westport Lifestyle

HOT SPOT

(CON TI N U ED)

'Bard buffet

Though Joe points out the “traditional” fare is often re-imagined for Westport tables. “We’re taking the food and adapting it to our own personal taste, making things the way we want to make them,” he explains. “People may get upset about the way they think it should be. If I felt that way about pizza I would only eat it in Brooklyn.” And what delicious adaptations they are! As indicated earlier, their schnitzel (chicken and wiener) eclipses what some grandmothers toil over for their insensitive American progeny. The Bard dog, a footlong covered in raclette cheese sauce, bacon and sweet relish, is legend among man-circles. While the sausage and cheese-laden charcuterie contains perfectly prepared asparagus and semi-vegetable gherkins, they temper the horticulture-fest with a small vat of beer cheese for dipping. When Saturday nights roll around, Rothbard kicks it up with live music on the patio. Though approached by Oompa Loompa bands because, culturally, that would make sense, remember: Joe’s modest eatery empire is not concerned with syllogism (thank goodness, because precious few successful date nights involve accordions.) Instead, Rothbard hosts countrified blues band Cotton Gin & the Swamp Yankees on Friday nights during the summer, a band cobbled together from musicians who play at Walrus & Carpenter. Then there’s Johnny Cash day, Surf Rock Tiki Night, and no St. Paddy’s day would be complete without their annual Van Morrison tribute, now in its fifth year. Fun fact: Van Morrison is from Ireland. Finally, Rothbard can boast something logical. When you go, and you will, wish Joe “Gutten Tag!” or “Bonjour!” or “Güete Morje!” or anything with a whiff of Europe. Or not. He’ll be the one in the flannel shirt and the beard, the one you’d hug if you weren’t so woke. 34

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

Joe Farrell, owner and creator of Rothbard Ale + Larder

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INSPIRED BY

ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG

H U R R I CA N E MARIA: CHIC WESTPORT OFFICE TO DISCUSS HIS PRACTICE. Dr. Sierra is an award-winning surgeon specializing in cosmetic eyelid and facial plastic surgery. He also offers facial rejuvenation procedures and fillers and is the first doctor in Connecticut to offer Emsculpt, a muscle-toning procedure that, as a gym-weary and sometimes impatient individual, piqued my curiosity. But then he mentioned Hurricane Maria. When pressed, he told me an extraordinary story but was reluctant to let me write it. “I didn’t do it to promote myself,” he explains. “I wanted to help.” He finally agreed to let Westport Lifestyle tell his story. We are honored to publish it now. For Dr. Sierra, a native of Puerto Rico, the story begins a week before Hurricane Maria, with Hurricane Irma. From Sept. 5-7, 2017, Irma pumGov. Roselló declared them disaster areas. On Sept. 8, Irma left and the weather stabilized. Unknown to many in the U.S., wealthy, civic-minded Puerto Ricans quietly began rescue efforts for their neighbors. They sailed their yachts and flew their private planes to the Virgin Islands, sending fresh water and supplies to the beleaguered residents. Then they brought back sick and wounded residents to Puerto Rico for medical help. Dr. Sierra proudly posted on Facebook: “We saw how on their own family, friends, and friends of friends carried supplies in their private boats. We also saw them return with the most vulnerable.” 38

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

HOW A PLASTIC SURGEON FROM WESTPORT SILENTLY SAVED LIVES

meled the Virgin Islands off the Puerto Rican coast.

AN UNTOLD STORY

DR. CESAR SIERRA AND I SAT IN HIS TIDY,

" We l l , t o d a y i s t h e d a y when all Puerto Ricans i n ex i l e h a ve t o d o w h a t n e e d s t o b e d o n e . To d a y ! N ow ! N o t t o m o r r ow ! G e t in! Step up to the plate!”

For 12 days, yachts and planes brought supplies to the islands and rescued their wounded inhabitants. Then, on Sept. 20, with hospitals full of Irma casualties, Hurricane Maria catastrophically struck Puerto Rico, sinking yachts and destroying planes en route to the islands. Maria killed and wounded thousands while decimating the Dr. Cesar Sierra

island’s infrastructure. It was Armageddon. Collapsed poles with piles of tangled electrical wires clogged the streets, making communication and travel nearly impossible. For several harrowing days, Dr. Sierra lost contact with family and friends. He frantically called doctors he knew in the area; none responded. Then, slowly, calls trickled in. No one had good news. Doctors described their ICUs as “dead fields,” patients dying in their beds due to the scarcity of medicine and supplies. Dr. Sierra dove into action. On Sept. 23, he hurriedly posted to Facebook: “Just after hurricane Irma trashed most of ‘the islands’… CONTINUED >

Dr. Cesar Sierra with palettes of medical supplies June 2019 | Westport Lifestyle

INSPIRED BY

(CON TI N U ED)

Dr. Sierra arranged for a private jet to bring this child from Puerto Rico to Philadelphia for treatment.

we saw thousands of images of help and stories of generosity of the

Later on Sept. 25, Dr. Sierra posted: “Finally, after two days of

Puerto Rican people…. Because this is how Puerto Ricans are—self-

being on the phone with a large number of people that I don’t even

less! Well, today is the day when all Puerto Ricans in exile have to do

remember, we got the first plane with medical materials and medi-

what needs to be done. Today! Now! Not tomorrow! Get in! Step up

cine… Thank you, but don’t stop. We’ll need more!!!!”

to the plate!”

The United cargo plane departed and landed in Puerto Rico

He knew he needed to yell louder for his rallying cry to make an

hours later. But the entire commonwealth was in chaos, including

impact. Dr. Sierra contacted Dr. Marietta Gomez, a fellow Yale doctor

the airport. Security was diminished, as police struggled to rescue

and Puerto Rican friend. Using Facebook, they tried to network for

victims, clear streets and, sadly, thwart plundering. No one was

necessities. Yet networking was slow and couldn’t outpace death.

available to deliver the supplies, and they were stuck in the airport.

Desperate, Dr. Sierra posted his cell phone number and a plea for

So Dr. Sierra, Dr. Gomez and a group at Yale spent hours calling

help. Minutes later, his phone began ringing. And ringing. Within sev-

every doctor they knew in Puerto Rico. Soon, doctors, nurses

eral days, the two amassed an astonishing 55,000 pounds of dona-

and residents drove to the airport, packed their cars and slowly

tions from hospitals and drug companies.

navigated the obstructed streets to bring the supplies to the few

An impressive feat—but how to get it to Puerto Rico? They followed

accessible hospitals.

up on a United Airlines contact who offered to deliver the supplies

For two weeks, Dr. Sierra closed his medical practice to manage

in their first cargo flight to Puerto Rico. But there was another catch:

donations and transportation to Puerto Rico. News of their success

the goods had to be gathered and delivered to JFK within two hours.

spread quickly. Within three to four days of the first delivery, an enormous

Dr. Sierra immediately posted: “Sept. 25: I need a contact/connec-

group of Yale medical staff and Connecticut residents joined the effort,

tion with someone who can ship 1000-plus pounds of medical sup-

which orchestrated the collection, delivery and dispersal of 2 to 3 million

plies and medicine … Does anyone have any direct contact with the

pounds of medicine, medical equipment and industrial generators.

governors of PR, NY or CT, or anyone else who could help ship this from New York, New Jersey, Hartford or Boston?”

Once the ports opened and traffic began to flow, Drs. Gomez and Sierra returned to their medical practices. Dr. Sierra continued to

Drs. Sierra and Gomez pursued numerous leads, from relatives of

help Puerto Rico, coordinating the arrival of victims in peril to U.S.

political figures to transportation employees, arranging for trucks to

hospitals via private aircraft. Today, he continues to volunteer in third

haul all 55,000 pounds to the airport with minutes to spare.

world countries. Hopefully, someday we’ll write about that as well.

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

IN HONOR OF OUR ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY, I FEEL A PROPER INTRODUCTION IS OVERDUE! So, hi, my name is Marisa. I’m delighted to have met many of you and grateful your response to Westport Lifestyle over the past year has been overwhelmingly positive. In the moments I get to spontaneously chat with people around town, the first question I’m usually asked is, “Why?” I love this question, because we all should have a “why” in all we do, right? I lived most of my adult life in NYC and worked for one of the largest media companies in the world selling the iconic billboards in the heart of Times Square. It was a fantastic time in my life, and I honestly thought I would never leave it. Things change. After getting married and shifting mindset and gears to focus on family, I decided to leave the corporate world and become a stay-at-home mom. It was wonderful, but wow—what an adjustment! They weren’t lying when they said motherhood is the hardest job in the world! After our NYC apartment had become littered with endless primary-colored toys, strollers and baby gear, my husband and I both decided the time had come to move to the ‘burbs. We looked at many different areas in Westchester, Long Island and Connecticut but never got the warm and fuzzy feeling we experienced when visiting Westport and Weston. Being creatures of instinct, we moved to the area knowing only a handful of people. With the move to this community, I also decided it was time for mommy to get back to work. But what was that work going to be? With a new town to explore, an empty house to fill, new people to meet and limitless possibilities, I was overwhelmed! I wanted a guide to all things Westport! That’s when the idea came to me. What if there was a free community magazine that went out to Westport and Weston each

A Letter from the Publisher

month? It could highlight local people, places, charities and businesses. The idea stuck, and I’ve been working on Westport Lifestyle, my third baby, ever since! It’s been a wonderful way for me to meet new people, learn about this amazing town, and support the community, businesses and nonprofit organizations along the way. I’ve truly enjoyed learning how Westport is changing and expanding—the old meets the new. The old: wonderful people, families and businesses that have been here for generations. The new: transplants from all over the globe, bringing culture through business, travel, food and life experience. So, what’s my “why” for Westport Lifestyle? To celebrate the stories of both the old and new and highlight this amazing community. Thank you for following along over the past year. I hope to see

REFLECTING ON ONE YEAR

you around town, and I hope to learn more about your “why.”

ARTICLE MARISA MACLEAN

WE ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. Please e-mail me at

PHOTOGRAPHY MINDY BRIAR | MARISA'S HAIR: BLOW

marisa.maclean@lifestylepubs.com with ideas, questions, or if there’s

DRY WESTPORT

anything you’d like to read about.

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

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Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

Current Articles Business Directory

Distinctive Fine European Art

Westport River Gallery One Riverside Ave, Westport 203.226.6934 WestportRiverGallery.com

INVITATIONS & FINE STATIONERY

5A SCONSET SQUARE | WESTPORT 203-557-6777 | bespokedesigns.com June 2019 | Westport Lifestyle

JUNE

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

chance to see the highlights of your very

for

own local museum! WHS will showcase

the Busy Little Bee on the Great

MITCHELLS HOT DOGS

objects from its collection not normally

Lawn. WakemanTownFarm.org

on public view. See and hear the stories

Mitchells, 670 Post Road E, Westport

behind some of the most unique, mys-

Tube steak, weiner, hot dog—whatever

terious and impactful artifacts in our

you call it, join Mitchells for a com-

community. Reservations recommended.

plimentary one every Saturday from

WestportHistory.org

Memorial Day to Labor Day. All-beef or kosher.

1 HOPE STARTS HERE FUNDRAISER FOR AWARE CT

sweet

garden

party

with

9 HIDDEN GARDEN TOUR

Westport Historical Society

The Westport Historical Society will

SUMMER NIGHT ON THE RIVER TO BENEFIT HOMES WITH HOPE

guided tour to unique gardens tucked

host its annual Hidden Garden Tour June 9. Join us for a magical selfaway from public view. A pop-up shop makes this beloved annual

Saugatuck Rowing Club

Cocktails, standing dinner, dancing, strictly

event a must-do for gardeners and

Burr Homestead Mansion

summer

garden lovers. WestportHistory.org

Join us on June 1 to celebrate AWARE’s

for Project Return's programs and services

partnership

with

the

white

attire:

fundraiser

Connecticut

for homeless young women ages 18–24.

Institute of Refugees & Immigrants

Integrated with Homes with Hope, Project

and help raise funds for an important

Return provides shelter and a safe

cause: supporting refugee girls living

and caring environment to help these

in Bridgeport. To purchase tickets or

women work toward independent and pro-

make a donation, visit AwareNYC.org.

ductive lives. HWHCT.org

14 JEFF LEBLANC

Fairfield Theatre Company, Stage One

Since releasing his first EP, Jeff LeBlanc has epitomized success as an indepen-

dent artist, netting three top 20 albums

GUIDED TOUR OF LOCKWOODMATHEWS MANSION

ADOPTION HOPE FOUNDATION "HOPE GROWS HERE" SILENT AUCTION GALA

placements. He has achieved satellite

Enjoy a memorable experience at

Please join us for a fun evening to ben-

try with artists such as Tori Kelly, Chris

the

efit

Stapleton, Boz Scaggs and Chris Isaak.

295 West Ave., Norwalk

Lockwood-Mathews

Shore & Country Club

Mansion

the

Adoption

Hope

Foundation.

Museum on the Extended Tour. At 90

Tickets include dinner, an open bar and

minutes, the Extended Tour includes

dancing. Silent and live auction items

the majestic first floor of the Mansion

will

and

the award-winning Servants’

Foundation's mission is to provide grants

Quarters in addition to the Mansion’s

to people who choose to build their fami-

second-floor

and

lies through adoption and help more fam-

family room. Please arrive 15 minutes

ilies in Connecticut experience the joy of

prior to the start time of your tour.

adoption. AdoptionHopeFoundation.org

bedroom

suites

available.

Adoption

Hope

LockwoodMathewsMansion.com

4 TUESDAY TREASURES

the

iTunes

Singer/Songwriter

chart and scoring dozens of television and commercial radio play, selling out headline shows and touring the coun-

FairfieldTheatre.org

16 BEER GARDEN

Wakeman Town Farm

Wakeman Town Farm has more than organic veggies growing in our

gardens. Head to the farm for the

TEA WITH THE BEE

vendors, barbecue, kids' crafts and

Beer Garden event on Father's Day, featuring live music, lawn games, more. Free admission and fami-

Wakeman Town Farm

Westport Historical Society

Wakeman Town Farm is buzzing with

ly-friendly. Food and beverages are

Ever see Mysteries at the Museum or

excitement

available for purchase.

Night at the Museum? Now’s your

with the Bee June 8. Save the date

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

about

its upcoming

Tea

WakemanTownFarm.org

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CULINARY CREATIONS

WHAT TONY I'm obsessed with this stuff" AITORO GRILLS FOR FATHER’S DAY

A WAYS BACK IN THE LATE '80S, TONY

THE CEO OF AITORO APPLIANCE KNOWS HIS STEAK

SAUNTERED OVER YONDER TO THE VIKING RANGE/BARBECUE GRILL FAC-

ARTICLE ROBIN MOYER CHUNG

TORY IN GREENWOOD, MISSISSIPPI, WHICH Y’ALL KNOW AS THE FORMER COTTON CAPITAL OF THE WORLD. In one week, he was barbecuing like a good ol’ boy: if it ran, pecked, swam or stuck its rump in a tub of mud, he'd grill it on the grates. But of all the fish, fowl and filet he throws on the 'cue, nothing beats a good old-fashioned steak. TONY'S RECIPE + You take a 3-inch-thick steak, bone-in. + Salt both sides. + Rest uncovered in the fridge 12-24 hours. It takes some moisture out. + Take it out for 30-60 minutes. It’s really important to cook it at room temperature. It doesn’t cook as well cold. + I use a gas grill for convenience. Get it as hot as you can. Pre-heat all the burners on high 15-20 minutes. + I put Northwood seasoning on both sides— from Penzey’s, a really cool spice place. + Cook 7 minutes on each side. + Let it rest 10 minutes + Slice it up and serve. I grill. At the same time, my wife is making margaritas.

Westport Lifestyle | June 2019

SAIL INTO SUMMER