New Canaan Darien + Rowayton - May/June 2022 by Moffly Media

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LOVE IN VERONA COLLECTION

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contents MAY/JUNE 2022 vol. 22 | issue 3

features

LEADER OF THE PACK No one knows dogs quite like Darien’s Gail Miller Bisher b y j ennif er w it t mat orin

44 THE GOOD LIFE A guide to the best stuff to do, eat and play here in Fairfield County

TAKE CARE Senior living updates and upgrades for your loved ones b y s c ot t t homas

departments 8 EDITOR’S LETTER 13 STATUS REPORT

BUZZ Floral design with Mary Stuart Flowers; Bringing joy to others with Flower Again; futuresTHRIVE is the real gamechanger SHOP The best picks for Mother’s Day GO Meet The Maker DO Pelvic floor therapy HOME Pattern play EAT Kathleen Ashmore gets cooking; Forever Sweet bakery

36 MONEY MATTERS 87 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 88 POSTSCRIPT

H E R E A N D C OV E R :

PH OT O G R A PH Y B Y K Y L E N ORT ON PR OD U C E D A N D ST Y L E D B Y V E N E R A A L E X A N DR OVA FAS H I ON F R OM D A R I E N S P ORT S H OP

f rom lef t: TA R A S C H R E I B E R I N A F LU T T E R S L E EV E S MO C K E D DR E S S B Y S E A N EW YOR K A N D DE S E RT SU N J O A N I E I I I S H OE S B Y S OR E L ; J O T ON KOV I C H I N A J UM P SU I T B Y A L E X M I L L W I T H C U ST OM T ON K N I K E S ; K I M DE LG A D O I N U L L A J OH N S ON DR E S S W I T H C A M E L IA S A N D A L B Y LOE F F L E R R A N D A L L

NEW CANAAN • DARIEN & ROWAYTON MAY/JUNE 2022, VOL. 22, NO. 3. NEW CANAAN • DARIEN & ROWAYTON (ISSN 1942-1028) is published bimonthly by Moffly Media, Inc., 205 Main St, Westport, CT 06880. Periodical postage paid at Westport, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to NEW CANAAN PO BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607. U.S. Subscription rates: $19.95/1 year (6 issues), $32.95/2 years; Canada and Foreign $40/1 year, $66/2 years.

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Print_R

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digital content & MORE BESTOFGOLDCOASTCT.COM HELP LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES WITH #BOGC

THE BIG REVEAL In the July/August issue, we reveal the winners of our highly anticipated readers’ poll:

BEST OF THE GOLD COAST CT!

Also, because you love your town the most, we share Best of Town winners, too. Did your favorites win? You’ll know soon.

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may/june 2022

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dariensport.com | 203.655.2575 1127 Post Road, Darien, CT

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VOLUME 22

ISSUE 3

MAY/JUNE 2022

sales + marketing Gina Fusco

editorial editorial director Cristin Marandino

publisher editor Julee Kaplan

gina.fusco@moffly.com

style & community editor Janel Alexander

Jonathan W. Moffly

advisory editor Donna Moffly

publisher, athome, greenwich, fairfield living

art senior art director Venera Alexandrova senior art director/status report Garvin Burke production director Tim Carr assistant art director Lisa Servidio

jonathan.moffly@moffly.com Gabriella Mays publisher, westport

gabriella.mays@moffly.com

contributors editors Megan Gagnon editor, athome Elizabeth Hole editor, custom publishing

Karen Kelly-Micka publisher, stamford

karen.kelly@moffly.com

Diane Sembrot editor, fairfield living; westport; stamford

Hilary Hotchkiss

Veronica Schorr assistant editor, athome

acount executive

hilary.hotchkiss@moffly.com writers

Kathleen Dyke

Liz Barron, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Kim-Marie Evans, Elizabeth Hole, Jennifer Witt Matorin, Scott Thomas

partnership and big picture manager

kathleen.godbold@moffly.com

copy editors

Rachel Shorten

Terry Christofferson, David Podgurski

events director

digital director of content strategy Diane Sembrot digital marketing manager Rachel MacDonald digital assistant Lloyd Gabi

rachel.shorten@moffly.com Lemuel Bandala sales assistant

lemuel.bandala@moffly.com business president Jonathan W. Moffly chief revenue officer Andrew Amill editorial director Cristin Marandino director of content strategy Diane Senbrot business manager Elena V. Moffly cofounders John W. Moffly IV and Donna C. Moffly

Eillenn Bandala business assistant

eillenn.bandala@moffly.com

published by 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880 phone: 203-222-0600 fax: 203-222-0937 mail@mofflymedia.com Publishers of FAIRFIELD LIVING, GREENWICH, NEW CANAAN - DARIEN, WESTPORT, STAMFORD and athome Magazines advertising inquiries Lemuel Bandala email advertise@mofflymedia.com. TO SUBSCRIBE, renew, or change your address, please e-mail us at subscribe@ncdmag.com, call 1-877-467-1735, or write to New Canaan - Darien magazine, 111 Corporate Drive, Big Sandy, TX 75755. U.S. subscription rates: $19.95/1 year (6 issues); $32.95/2 years (12 issues); $44.95/3 years (18 issues). Canada and foreign, US $36/year. Prices are subject to change without notice. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. ©2022 New Canaan - Darien magazine is a registered trademark owned by Moffly Media. The opinions expressed by writers commissioned for articles published by New Canaan - Darien magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine. FOR QUALITY CUSTOM REPRINTS/E-PRINTS, please call 203-571-1645 or e-mail reprints@mofflymedia.com

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editor’s letter

MAY/JUNE 2022 / JULEE KAPLAN

MAKING A CONNECTION W SCAN TO EXPLORE

HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP

Tara should meet Kim Delgado, a New Canaan resident and creator of Mary Stuart Flowers. Just like Jo and Tara, Kim is enormously talented and she showcased her floral designs for us on set. We were all wowed. She has such a way of taking these gorgeous buds and combining them in the most stunning and impactful way. Kim is a joy to work with, too. Be sure to read more on her and Mary Stuart Flowers on page 13. Finally, it wouldn’t be a proper shoot without the fashion. And for that, we have Darien Sport Shop to thank. Tara, Kim and Jo all made a trip to the shop, picked out some pieces they loved and happily modeled them for our cover. Darien Sport Shop, thank you for making our cover girls look their best. And so, we hope you will devour this issue— it’s filled with some really great things—and truly amazing people we wanted you to meet. Whether you’re new here or you been living here for years, it’s always good to meet someone new. Happy reading!

julee.kaplan@moffly.com

PHOTO BY KYLE NORTON

hen thinking about our cover, art director Venera Alexandrova asked, “what’s this Good Life issue all about?” Sure, it’s about learning about new places to eat, play, shop—but in the end, it’s really about the people. The people we meet, the people we connect with…the people who become friends, business partners…the people who make us so incredibly happy that we chose to live here. And so, Venera got creative. It was her idea to dedicate this cover to those who live here, work here and connect here. So we pulled together three people who have been here for a while, but in recent years they all started businesses here. There’s Jo Tonkovich, the spunky, super fun, filledwith-happiness gallery owner of Tonk in New Canaan. She was gracious enough to lend us her space for our shoot. And we brought in some people she should meet. We introduced her to Tara Schreiber, actor and co-owner of Barvida in Darien. If you haven’t been there yet, you should really go. They make some of the most delicious, healthy organic foods in our area—we absolutely love the smoothies, cold-pressed juices and bowl choices. They’re seriously so delicious you don’t even realize how good they are for you. They do catering too, so Tara came to meet Jo armed with bottles of fresh juices for all to try. Yum. But that’s not it. We also thought Jo and

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buzz STATUS REPORT

PERFECTLY IMPERFECT KIM DELGADO OF MARY STUART FLOWERS DESIGNS STUNNING

ARRANGEMENTS FOR WEDDINGS, GATHERINGS AND CELEBRATIONS

FLOWERS BY KIM DELGADO

by julee k apl an

MAY/JUNE 2022 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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buzz

Her grandmother was also a floral designer— an award-winning one—with the arrangements she created for the Boston Flower Show many years ago. “I was always so in awe of her and how she could take something that was already so beautiful and turn it into something that was even more impactful.” Now, Delgado aims to have the same sort of impact—with a more modern approach— with her truly stunning designs. She has her own home garden filled to the brim with flowers here in New Canaan, of which she has planned and planted herself.

“I planted them from seeds so it makes me happy to see how they grow as the seasons change. It’s amazing how so much can come from this small space,” she explains of her garden. “I am not a farmer by any means but I so love using things from my own garden. The flowers are perfectly imperfect and I absolutely love them.” To create her designs, Delgado is committed to sustainability and using only non-toxic materials, never working with anything dyed or chemically treated. Instead of floral foam, she veers toward things like thin chicken wire to help a longer stem stand high in an arrangement. When in season,

KIM DELGADO BY KYLE NORTON; FLOWERS BY KIM DELGADO

t was Christmas a little over one year ago when Kim Delgado created a gamechanging floral arrangement for her family’s holiday dinner table. “I remember setting the table and my family was really wowed by the arrangement,” she recalls. “I think it was then when I thought I could really do this.” This May marks one official year since Delgado started her floral design business, Mary Stuart Flowers, out of her home in New Canaan. She named her business after her two daughters, 10-year-old Mary and 2-year-old Stuart (she also has two young sons, Stanley and Chappy). Over the last year Delgado has designed florals for various events both locally and more recently abroad—just having travelled to Holland to design for a wedding. There, she sourced all of her flowers from farms in The Netherlands. She admittedly has always loved playing with flowers and recalls memories of her childhood—admiring her grandmother’s talent for floral design. “When I was a child I remember watching my grandmother working in her incredible garden at her home on Cape Cod,” she recalls.

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Delgado works seasonally with only what’s available locally to create her designs.

“I remember watching my grandmother working in her incredible garden at her home on Cape Cod.”

FLOWERS BY KIM DELGADO

—KIM DELGADO, MARY STUART FLOWERS

from April until December, Delgado says she works exclusively with the Connecticut Flower Collective, an organization that connects local flower farmers with the floral industry. “Nothing from these farms are chemical or bleached or treated in any unnatural form. Everything is natural and compostable, which I’m very committed to,” she says. “I love working seasonally, too, with only what’s available locally…it’s like a snapshot of this moment in time.” Book an event with Mary Stuart Flowers at marystuartflowers.com. MAY/JUNE 2022 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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buzz

CALL TO COMPASSION

ill Robey doesn’t want you to throw out those flowers. Instead, the New Canaan resident wants to spread the joy to others. That’s why she founded Flower Again; a new nonprofit organization born from her personal love of flowers. With the help of various local volunteers, Robey is looking to align herself with local floral designers and wedding and event planners in hopes of securing post-event floral arrangements in order to repurpose them and deliver new arrangements to those who could benefit from the of joy they bring. “With the help of my church, the Congregational Church of New Canaan, I have

FLOWER AGAIN BRINGS JOY AND CONNECTION TO THOSE

WHO NEED IT MOST

been doing this kind of thing for a number of years,” Robey explains. And indeed she has. Over the years, whenever the opportunity would arise, Robey would repurpose flower arrangements for the benefit of those in her own congregation, whether it meant bringing flowers to those who experienced sickness or death in their families or isolation due to aging. “I wanted to explore the idea of doing more and reaching more people who really feel lonely and isolated. This is about more than delivering them flowers, it’s about making that human connection. It’s about having the conversations with people and leaving them something beautiful like flowers.”

by julee k apl an

Here's how it works: Once alerted that a specific event is willing to donate their arrangements to Flower Again, Robey and a team of volunteers will go in, remove the arrangements, and then bring them to Robey’s home where they will work at making new arrangements. When finished, Robey’s team of volunteers will deliver the new bouquets to brighten the days of others in surrounding communities like nursing homes in Norwalk and Stamford. It’s Robey’s hope that volunteers will take a few moments with each person receiving the flowers to make that connection. When the flowers are nearing the end of their lives, volunteers will pick them back up to compost them and repurpose the vases they were in. “There’s so much waste that comes from large events like weddings or corporate events, so I really would love to do our part in order to reduce that and bring joy to others at the same time,” Robey says. In addition to floral arrangements, Robey says they’re in need of supply donations like vases and other flower-arranging tools. In order to assist, the New Canaan Human Services department at the Town Hall Annex is willing to take vases from anyone willing to donate. “I can’t think of a better place to launch an organization like this than in Fairfield County,” Robey says. “There are so many high-end events here and yet we are surrounded by those lower income areas that could really benefit from our services. So this is a real win-win.” More information about giving and volunteering can be found at floweragain.org.

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THE GAMECHANGER

FUTURESTHRIVE USES AI TECHNOLOGY AS A SCREENING TOOL TO SPOT MENTAL ILLNESS MARKERS IN YOUTH

by eliz abeth hole

ental health is quite the topic of discussion these days, especially when it comes to our children. But for one local mom, it all started with one statistic. Propelled by the grim news that one in five children in the U.S. has a diagnosable mental health condition, Wendy Ward set out to discover the cause and how she could affect some real change. While Ward—a Darien resident who grew up in town—started her career in advertising and sales, she began researching mental health and social emotional learning a decade ago to help a family member. The alarming statistic inspired her to start futuresTHRIVE with guidance from actual medical experts. The mission? To create a mental health screening tool for youth using artificial intelligence and game-based technology. “I found that mental health screeners aren’t used, and when they are, it’s only after problems have set in,” says Ward. “Those screeners were developed in the 1980s. It’s time for change.” The futuresTHRIVE platform, which is in prototype testing as of press time, is slated to launch this spring. Ward used a grant from the National Science Foundation for the video game design, which engages children ages 8 to 14. Once they enter the game, they simply click through a series of questions. The game-based survey will be administered by experts such as school counselors and pediatricians. “This screening tool will help professionals gather more information than is remotely possible with a verbal conversation,” says Ward. “An engaging format provides more comprehensive data points.” Once the survey identifies a need, Ward explains, “mental health services are immediately available, at least for the short term. Each medical practice will have a go-to service and each school

Wendy Ward

is already set up to provide help.” For schools, the screener is a valuable resource to serve their student populations. In The School Counselor’s Guide to Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), it states: “A company like futuresTHRIVE…can equip school teams with user-friendly universal screening tools, which offer the 167,000 plus elementary, middle and high schools in the U.S. an impactful solution to pediatric mental health.” Aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics Common Factors, the survey questions were developed by a team of medical experts. The organization, which collaborates with doctors at Mass General, Yale Pediatrics and Montefiore Pediatrics, also works with Texas Children’s Hospital—the nation’s largest pediatric provider.

The futuresTHRIVE advisors include Amanda Craig, Ph.D., L.M.F.T, founder, Manhattan Marriage & Family Therapy; Patricia Gail Bray, Ph.D., founding director, David and Helen Gurley Brown BridgeUp at Menninger Center at the Menninger Clinic; and Douglas Noordsy, M.D., clinical professor and director of Lifestyle Psychiatry Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Stanford University School of Medicine. According to futuresTHRIVE advisor Amanda Craig, Ph.D., a licensed marriage and family therapist in Darien and New York City, the platform serves as a listening tool and springboard for action. “While most screenings only tell you if a kid is at risk for a mental health diagnosis, our screening tells you if there is a root cause at home, at school or with peers that may contribute to a mental health concern,” says Craig. “This is profoundly important because it provides early intervention that will help with root cause, not just symptom intervention. This early intervention is critical since it can slow the progression of mental illness down and reduce its severity.” While spending the past decade focusing on emotional health research and initiatives, Ward has learned how important it is to destigmatize mental healthcare for everyone. “We need to screen, monitor and learn about it just the way we do for every health concern— early and often,” says Ward. “There is no health without mental health.”

RESOURCE FOR PARENTS If you are curious about your own child’s mental health, but are not sure where to start, Ward suggests taking a mental health survey “to learn more about your tween and draw you closer in the process.” To access the survey, visit futuresthrive.com.

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shop by janel alex ander

MOTHER’S DAY IS LOOKING GOOD IMAGES COURTESY OF BRANDS

WHETHER SHE’S A COOK, A FASHIONISTA OR JUST THE ONE WHO GIVES THE BEST HUGS, MOM DESERVES TO BE TREATED WITH GIFTS SHE’S SURE TO LOVE

THE CONSUMMATE HOSTESS Stephanie Nass studied culinary arts as a young woman in France and then staged at some of the top restaurants in Manhattan. In 2019 she launched Chefanie, a line of unique tableware and accessories. Mix and match her prints, patterns and shapes of tablecloths, cocktail napkins and unique placecard holders to shabby-chic up your next dinner party. Chintz Tablecloth, $230; Cocktail Napkins, $60; Lily of Valley Dinner Napkins, $108; chefanie.com

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THE BAG LADY

MOMMY AND ME

This woven mint green bag is the perfect structure-meets-soft carryall for the office, lunch or simply on the go. The collection, with the signature lock and key detail, is named for Lee Radziwill, who Tory admires for being fearlessly free-spirited. Lee Radziwill Woven Petite Double Bag, $898, Tory Burch, Greenwich; toryburch.com

This “Mum Is My Superhero” tee shows welldeserved appreciation for hard-working moms, and the girls adorable paisley-print dress is comfortable yet chic. Pair with accessories for a sweet mom-and-mini me moment. Mum Tee, $90; Kyze Dress, $135, Ba&sh Greenwich; ba-sh.com

THE UNDERSTATED FASHIONISTA Get her thinking about spring with this figureflattering smocked-top dress that proves that regardless of age, you can feel youthful at heart and look fabulous. Suzanne Fleur Smocked Poplin dress, $475, Rebecca Taylor, The Westchester; rebeccataylor.com

THE STATEMENT MAKER For the mom who has a taste for intrigue and eye for mystery, gift her a modern pair of oversized sunnies in a soft shade that lets her check out the whole scene (and who’s doing what) discreetly. Coach sunglasses $196, Sunglass Hut in Greenwich, Stamford and Westport; sunglasshut.com

THE CULINARY ARTIST This timeless Dutch oven moves from stovetop to table with style. Put in your order for stews, roasts and soups. The beautiful cast iron pot is among the newest additions to The Shop at Grayson De Vere— and it works as good as it looks. 5.5 Qt. Dutch Oven with lid, $500, Greenwich; graysondevere.com

MAY/JUNE 2022 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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by megan gagnon

left: The 14,000-square-foot property includes three buildings: an 1800s carriage house, a Georgian mansion and a Greek Revival building. right: Among the custom details in The Artist room, a hand-carved wood fireplace and a bathroom with antique limestone, Moorish tile and a clawfoot tub

udson, NewYork— where small-town charm meets big-city style—continues to attract creatives looking for an upstate escape. And now, among the antiques shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants that spill onto Warren Street in the heart of downtown, sits The Maker Hotel. Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg, cofounders of the Fresh beauty brand, partnered with hospitality expert Damien Janowicz to create an experience that marries historical design with modern amenities. Each of the eleven rooms in the three-building property were dreamed up to deliver inspiration and celebrate the work of makers (artisans, craftsmen, builders)

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above left: Enjoy freshly baked goods and cozy seats at The Maker Café. above right: A welcoming patio and pool are ready for warmer weather. below: Dine under a canopy of lush greenery in The Maker Restaurant.

with nods to nineteenthcentury industrial, La Belle Époque, Art Deco and midcentury design periods. The team was mindful of integrating the elements that tell the story of the building’s original 1800s architecture, preserving original fireplaces, stained-glass windows, mosaic tiles and hand-painted ceilings. Throughout the rooms and common spaces, visitors will find vintage décor and one-of-a-kind pieces, art from Glazman’s personal collection, Moroccan rugs and reproduced furniture from local Hudson Valley master craftsmen. With many of the custom creations also available for purchase (like the stunning Louis XV-style beds), guests can recreate their own Maker moments at home.

PHOTOGRAPHY: FRANCINE ZASLOW

Time Travel

Meet THE MAKER, a new hotel with old-world charm

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GET A ROOM Choose from eleven distinct spaces, each with its own design personality

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If you’re interested in venturing outside your room, there is plenty to explore at The Maker. Executive Chef Michael Poirkoff, formerly of Brooklyn-favorite Vinegar Hill House, oversees the culinary direction for all three dining spaces on-site. Early risers can choose from a variety of daily-made pastries and viennoiseries at The Maker Café, which is also open for lunch. Staying for dinner? Create your own in-room spa experience with towels and slippers by Frette, Fresh and Malin+Goetz beauty products and linen robes by Society Limonta.

Make a reservation at The Maker Restaurant and sample the contemporary American menu under the glass ceiling of the building’s conservatory. In continuing with their commitment to the community, Poirkoff works with local farmers to offer seasonal fare. A nightcap in the The Maker Lounge is a must, especially when you can find a seat in front of the Belgian Neoclassical fireplace.

The adjoining gymnasium, outfitted with an aesthete’s selection of vintage equipment and machines made for modern exercise enthusiasts, is available to hotel guests. If you’re more interested in Pilates than the pommel horse, check out the curated fitness offerings led by notable instructors and coaches. A unique Circus Physique program sounds especially intriguing, delivering a full-body workout using ground and aerial movements. Don’t leave without ordering a drink from the gorgeous juice bar, awash in the same saturated shades as the hotel. And if you’re just looking to relax, the intimate common rooms on the ground floor are the perfect places to unwind. Arm yourself with a book from the library or discover your own signature fragrance from The Maker collection (six eau de parfums). There are candles to take home, too— chic souvenirs that will remind you to book a return visit to Hudson and The Maker Hotel. The Maker Hotel, 302 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534, 518-509-2620; themaker.com

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THE GARDENER An 1870s restored Eastlake gas-lit cast-iron chandelier throws a soft glow on this studio space. Wrought-iron details appear throughout, including on the custom Maker bed.

THE CORNER STUDIO Share a room with Joan Crawford and her world of 1940s Hollywood glamour.

PHOTOGRAPHY: FRANCINE ZASLOW

above: The Lounge—wrapped in leather-clad walls—is tucked away in the building’s carriage house.

Live out your bohemian loft dreams in a room with art from Francisco Zuniga, a plaster sculpture by Frederick Weinberg and a vintage painting easel.

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do by liz ba rron

Restoring your pelvic floor could mean BIG CHANGES IN OVERALL WELLNESS

f we’ve learned anything over the past couple of years, it’s that health really is wealth. And, in this case, we are talking about pelvic health, something that can affect both women and men, can be the reason why you pee a little when you sneeze or why you can’t take a deep cleansing breath. So many issues can arise when your pelvis isn’t in tip-top shape and Indigo Wellness wants to help with that. The practice, with offices in Stamford and Westport, is owned and operated by Sarah Swanberg, doctor of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. In addition to an array of other services, Indigo offers pelvic floor therapy to help achieve and maintain optimal pelvic health. The misconception, Swanberg says, is that pelvic issues are only something women who have had difficult childbirth experiences need to pay attention to. That theory was debunked when we chatted with Swanberg and two of the experts on her team to learn more. Kara Fanelli, PT, DPT, board-certified clinical specialist in women's health physical therapy, and Jodie Lippman PT, DPT, work with patients—both female and male—on pelvic rehab for a variety of ailments. Pelvic physical therapy focuses on all musculoskeletal and behavioral aspects of the abdomen and pelvis. Pelvic floor muscles aid in everything from bladder, bowel and sexual function to postural stability and organ support. How does one know if they might benefit from pelvic floor therapy? If you are aware of your pelvic region when you shouldn’t be, there’s a problem. It’s a part of your body but think of it like your nose…you know you it’s there but you don’t feel it all day, says Fanelli. An initial appointment at Indigo includes

What are some signs of pelvic issues that might be blamed on something else? “The inability to take a deep breath, symptoms that feel like a yeast or urinary tract infection (that test negative), back pain and diastasis recti (abdominal wall separation) can all be due to pelvic dysfunction,” says Lippman. Are women, pregnant and postpartum, the most susceptible to urinary issues? “Yes. Pregnant women, postpartum women, and menopausal women are prone to urinary issues. However, people who have a lot of stress and

an exam, comprehensive history, and a look at the patient’s posture, understanding strength throughout the body and the way muscles feel and fire are all crucial in developing a treatment plan.

anxiety can also be susceptible to pelvic floor dysfunctions. Our pelvic floor gets tight and reacts to tension just like our shoulders do. Also female athletes that have repetitive highintensity and high-impact activities with improper technique and poor breathing, like lifting weights, kicking balls and jumping and shooting are also particularly susceptible to pelvic floor dysfunction and bladder problems,” says Lippman. Leakage is normal after having a baby, right? “After childbirth, many women assume that leakage is normal, it isn’t. While it’s initially common right after childbirth, it can be dramatically improved with pelvic physical therapy and shouldn’t be a lifelong issue,” says Fanelli. For women who have had C-sections, bladder issues seem surprising but not to the experts. “The scar lives right on top of the bladder, if it doesn’t move well it can cause issues for the bladder. Leakage can also arise from pressure management problems. When picking up something heavy, if the abdominal wall doesn’t contract and fire while also allowing the pelvic floor to lift, this is where issues with leakage will occur ,” says Fanelli. “The pressure always goes to the weakest point. If there is weakness in the abdominal wall’s connective tissue or in the pelvic floor muscles then all the pressure will follow that weakness,” adds Lippman.

INDIGO WELLNESS In addition to Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, Indigo offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, nutrition counseling and group programs. Their abundant toolbox of services are all interwoven to help their patients achieve optimum mind/body health. “The end goal is to create a robust support system. We believe that the best patient care happens when everyone involved is talking—the more eyes on the patient to help with their journey of wellness, the better,” says Swanberg.

Why does the pelvis affect so many other parts of the body?

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“If you picture your body as an actual house, your pelvic floor would be the ground, the foundation, your abdominals and core would be the walls, helping to stabilize and your diaphragm would be the roof, some people even think of as high up as the glottis in the throat as the top,” says Lippman. With this structure in mind, “you can’t breathe properly unless your diaphragm and pelvic floor are working together. Upper chest breathing can be caused by a lack of movement in the diaphragm, which can contribute to pelvic floor muscle tension . We’ll often hear patients say things like ‘I can’t talk and walk without getting out of breath’ and it’s because their diaphragm isn’t moving the way that it’s supposed to,” says Fanelli.

newcanaandarienmag.com

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eat by liz barron

Kathleen Ashmore began her TikTok career—cooking up delicious meals—in her Rowayton kitchen.

LET’S GET COOKING KATHLEEN ASHMORE MAKES HEALTHY EATING FUN ON TIKTOK WITH RECIPES,

hen it comes to mom friends, Kathleen Ashmore is one fab local mama to know. Better recognized to most as Katcancook on TikTok or @Kat_can_ cook on Instagram, the professionally trained chef gained social media fame just about two years ago when she recorded her first TikTok video in her Rowayton kitchen. Raising two young children (William, now 5 and Caroline, 3) during a pandemic left her feeling like she needed a new outlet, so to reach fellow moms looking for healthy recipe ideas, she introduced herself on TikTok in May 2020. “When you’re in a hard place, you either

get kicked up the stairs or down the stairs,” says Ashmore. Life had been turned upside down amidst the pandemic and “people, me included, were hungry for positive change. There had been a huge shift from aspirational to relatable content on social media and that’s what people were craving.” Having attended culinary school in her late 20's before working as part of the food production team for Martha Stewart’s television show, cooking has always been her thing. After gaining 200,000 followers in just 36 hours, Ashmore knew her mission was about so much more than food; it was about being

vulnerable and connecting with people. “I wanted them to trust me at a deeper level, not to just see me as someone teaching them how to chop an onion.” At press time, Ashmore had grown her online following to over 1.8 million on TikTok and over 200,000 on Instagram. “I take my food seriously, but I don’t take myself seriously. I have fun with it and going into the kitchen with a sense of curiosity rather than judgment can help make it less intimidating,” says Ashmore. “You learn how to cook by making mistakes, that’s how your brain expands and grows.”

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eat We see loads of healthy eating tips on your TikTok but what are your thoughts on diets? All the restrictions of the past few years have left many people feeling exceedingly challenged when it comes to following diets. The last thing anyone wants at this point is to have less options and more things taken away. My philosophy focuses on what I can add to a plate versus what’s being taken away. I’m always thinking about what colors, textures and flavors that I can add to my family’s dinner plates while focusing on nutrition and abundance. What’s the easiest way for someone who doesn’t love to cook to start small? Cook once, eat twice. When you can, make a large batch of whatever you’re cooking and save some. If I make pesto, I’ll make enough so that I can freeze half in ice cube trays so I can use it again later that week, it’s an investment in future meals. Also, always have a secret weapon—a sauce, a salad dressing—one thing you make each week. You could take something like a homemade teriyaki sauce and pair it with a few different proteins for the week. It’s also a great marinade for salmon and steak. If you’ve got that sauce already made, you’ll feel more inspired to put dinners together. What are some staples everyone should have in their weekly shopping cart? Fresh vegetables. Choose a variety that is both interesting and colorful. I have 16 different salad recipes in my series and most of them can last you for the entire week. If you make a big batch on Sunday then you’ve got lunch for the next four or five days. I always have lentils and legumes in my pantry for a quick dinner. Also, don’t discount eggs. They are a nutritional powerhouse and most kids love them. Sometimes after a super busy day, I’ll make eggs with kimchi and lentils for a fast and nutritious dinner. The ingredients that I use the most and always have on hand are mustard, lemon, garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil. Mustard adds incredible flavor to everything from sauces to salad dressings. You can even use it to dress salmon with some salt and pepper.

What tips do you have for those of us with picky little eaters? Involve your kids in what goes on in the kitchen. We got our kids these little knives for children that aren’t very sharp. They also have their own cutting boards and aprons; you can be as elaborate or as minimal as you want but anything that gets them involved in prepping food helps. My son loves tomato sauce because he’s the one who makes it now. He never used to touch it until he started cooking with me. He even now knows to add salt to the water when you’re making pasta because it flavors it from the inside while it cooks. When kids are involved in preparing meals, they are so much more invested than if you were to just hand them a plate. So much of picky eating habits in kids stems from them wanting to have control and when they’d had a hand in making the food their sense of control is restored even when they are trying something new. My kids couldn’t care less that I attended culinary school and having them push food back at me has been a very humbling experience. Managing my own expectations and anxiety about them “needing” to always have balanced meals has been a game changer and I now aim for a balanced day instead. I’ll put salmon (which they might not eat) on a plate with one or two other things that I know they’ll like and I’ve learned to zoom out and consider the balance of the whole day instead of that one meal and things just go more smoothly for everyone. Get creative, you can add something like cauliflower rice to almost anything, including boxed mac and cheese! It takes on whatever flavors it’s paired with and it looks like small pieces of pasta. You can even mix it into eggs, pancakes or smoothies; it’s just a great way of adding some extra nutrients to whatever you’re having.

CAULIFLOWER ALFREDO PASTA Serves 4 Ingredients: 1 small to medium cauliflower, cut into 2-or-3- inch pieces ½ cup parmesan, grated, plus additional for serving ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard ¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature Zest and juice from 1 lemon 1 package of linguine or fettuccine, I use Banza or Jovial Foods chickpea and brown rice pasta

to the blender. 4. Meanwhile, boil your pasta in a separate large pot of salted water according to package directions. Drain pasta and reserve at least 2 cups of the pasta water. 5. Place the cauliflower in a high-powered blender or food processor and add the parmesan, olive oil, garlic, mustard, butter, lemon zest and juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and several grinds of pepper. 6. Blend to combine for about 20 seconds.

Fresh parsley chopped, for serving

7. Add some of the pasta water, 1⁄2 cup at a time, and blend until the sauce is very creamy and the consistency is to your liking. I usually use between 1 1⁄2 cups of water.

Directions:

8. Taste and add salt if needed.

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Add the cauliflower and boil until the cauliflower is easily pierced with a fork, about 10 minutes. 3. Drain cauliflower in a colander and add

9. Toss the cooked pasta with the alfredo sauce and top with extra parmesan, chopped parsley, and cracked pepper Enjoy!

above: Ashmore's Hungry Lady Salads videos are one of her most popular on TikTok.

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eat

above, left: The ultimate unicorn cake with rainbow ruffles above right: An elegant ivory-and-gold cake; Cookie Monster

So Sweet! SPREADING LOVE through baked goods by elenor vail

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SKY MERCEDE II

pon entering Forever Sweet Bakery, the impossible is deemed probable. With towering cakes of various colors and cupcakes of unimaginable quantities and varieties, owners Frances and Sky Mercede make customers’ sweet dreams come true. This Norwalk bakery is rooted in family ties with Frances following in her parents’ path of being a baker and her husband, Sky, helping with customer service, coordinating orders and marketing. It is Frances’ recipes that have been the foundation for their many cakes for decades and have won the shop “Best Cupcakes” in Moffly Media’s (this magazine’s) Best Of readers’ poll eight years in a row. Sky describes himself as the “supporting husband,” which undercuts the amount of work he actually does, including running their extensive number of social media platforms, directing their outreach programs and encouraging community involvement. The bakery’s community involvement is a big part of what they do, year-round. For example, during the cold winter, the bakery held a clothing drive of hats, gloves and scarves for a local homeless shelter. They

frequently raise money for homeless shelters nearby in addition to surprising newly opened businesses with cupcakes on their launch day. Sky describes their bakery as “community oriented,” with much more to come in terms of giving back to the area. Customer service is also a priority. Sky says the goal of Forever Sweet Bakery is to “treat customers like kings and queens.” The bakery is able to customize their cakes, and frequently do so, according to customers’ requests with references to pictures online or even just ideas in their head. When asked what limit this customization has, Sky proclaims confidently that the bakery can create anything. With cakes of cars, ships and castles of multiple tiers, it appears the limit of this customization is sky high. Frances and Sky present the idea of a family-owned business on a larger scale with community-focused values and customer service at the core of their success—call them their secret ingredients. “We’re just here to put smiles on people’s faces,” Sky says, “and celebrate with them.”

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money matters FED UP

Scott Bogan

s scientific minds wrestled with keeping people safe during Covid-19, the quarantine threatened to take down the economy. In Fairfield County and beyond, businesses closed, events were canceled and people stopped commuting to the office. Close to 10 million people lost jobs nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fearing sinking corporate profits, investors unloaded stocks and, over a series of weeks, the market plunged by nearly a third.

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

UNPACKING INFLATION, FROM POLICY TO POCKETBOOK

All the while, the Federal Reserve System worked feverishly to save the monetary system. The Fed stormed to the rescue, literally printing money, supplying banks with cash and buying massive amounts of government and corporate debt. The goals: to maximize employment and to keep prices as stable as possible. In other words, “massive quantitative easing,” says Scott Bogan of Wilton, a wealth adviser and capital markets strategist with GYL Financial Synergies in Westport. Part psychologist, part educator, part seer, part market strategist, he helps the investment advisory firm unpack how the Fed’s movements affect clients’ pocketbooks. His advice: Take a few moments now to understand how the Fed’s actions affect you. The Fed, which is nonpartisan and operates independent of Congress, is the central bank for the United States. “Interest rates are a tool they can use to stimulate activity in the economy,” Bogan says. During the pandemic, the Fed slashed the interest rate that banks pay to borrow from one another to near

zero. Consumers benefited, from lower rates on mortgages, car loans and credit cards, increasing buying power. “If your mortgage is 5 percent versus 2.5 percent, you can borrow a lot more at 2.5 percent. It trickles through,” Bogan says. Massive government stimulus programs infused households with free money. A booming economy and record low unemployment followed. Costs for goods and services crept up to 7.5 percent at the end of January 2022, the highest increase in forty years. Food costs are 7 percent more now than last year. Electricity is up more than 10 percent. Before the invasion of Ukraine, gasoline prices had soared 40 percent higher than 2021, according to the Consumer Price Index; the invasion led to an even greater surge. Early this year, the Fed turned on its heel. Enter quantitative tightening. The Fed plans to raise interest rates to cool the hot economy. It won’t be reinvesting those interest payments from banks. “They’re going to take that money and go to a giant furnace and incinerate it,” Bogan reports.

Less cash translates to costlier loans and fewer purchases. Expect car loans, mortgages and the like to be cheaper now than in months ahead. Higher interest rates make the dollar worth less abroad as well; international trips and purchases will cost more later in the year. Bonds, stocks and real estate all behave differently when interest rates increase. Bonds are supposed to be the safety net in a portfolio, helping to keep that nest egg from cracking. But rising interest rates cause bond yields to go up— and values to fall—in the short term. “Expect a hit to your bond portfolio,” Bogan says. Alternatively, “real estate in a high inflationary period has been a good place to go. Lease agreements typically have built-in rent escalation clauses. They help real-estate landlords hedge their revenue streams,” says Bogan. As for the stock market, expect volatility, “causing the stock market to reprice,” Bogan says. Talk to your adviser about the risks and the timeline in your portfolio, so that as the Fed works to steady the monetary system, you’re prepared.

While inflation and invasions seesaw the market, one stalwart is returning with a new luster: the good old certificate of deposit. Each time the Fed hikes interest rates, bank rates “will start to rise and cash will generate a return,” Bogan says. If you want to stash your cash in the short term, consider laddering some CDs. Stagger maturity rates, from one to four years, maybe, then as soon as one matures a year down the road, you can reinvest it—or weigh your options in what will hopefully be a more stable environment.

CONTRIBUTED

TAKE IT TO THE BANK CDs make a comeback

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Join us to celebrate the 120th Anniversary of Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County

120 Club: An Intimate Evening with Vanessa Williams Honoring Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro 2022 Re i ient o the Cham ion o Chi dren Award

Friday, June 3, 6:30 pm Serafina at the IC Stamford, CT Featuring DJ April Larken

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Darien’s GAIL MILLER BISHER turns her lifelong love of dogs to a fascinating career that centers around man’s—or in this case—woman’s best friend by jennifer wit t matorin p ortr ait by andrea carson

Gail Miller Bisher at home in Darien with her two pups, Simon and Bella newcanaandarienmag.com

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COURTESY OF WKC

Bisher showing a bearded collie who won Best in Show back in 1982.

MAY/JUNE 2022 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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As the Fox Sports dog show analyst for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and host of the series, The Road to Westminster, Bisher’s knowledge of dogs runs far beyond your average pet lover. A resident of Darien (a recent transplant from Rowayton), Bisher doesn’t recall a time in her life when a dog didn’t literally take center stage. With her Midwestern roots (she hails from the suburbs of St. Louis, however, her father is originally from Westport), Bisher reflects fondly on her family dogs: a trio of bearded collies imported directly from Scotland by her parents, a move which helped establish the breed in the U.S. at a time when they weren’t recognized. “Our dogs were friendly, upbeat and a little messy—kind of like how I turned out,” laughs Bisher. Today, Bisher wears many hats in her role as director of communications at The Westminster Kennel Club, the nonprofit organization dedicated to dog sports since it was established in 1877. At press time, Bisher and her team were hard at work planning the organization’s 146th annual dog show—the first one since the Covid pandemic forced them to postpone the famed event. The last show, which was scheduled to run in New York City in January, has been moved to the suburbs at the Lyndhurst estate in Tarrytown, N.Y. The show is set for June 18, 20 to 22. Bisher says that whether you enjoy dog sports or are looking to learn more about specific dog breeds, the show will be a great experience.

FOX BROADCAST TEAM IBY K. CHURCHILL FOR WKC

Bisher resports as the Fox Sports Dog Show analyst for the Westminster Kennel Club.

Since her parents were both breeders, Bisher was naturally trained from a young age to appreciate understand, and care for dogs on a deeper level and ultimately come into her own. At just 10 years old Bisher became the first junior handler of a beardie at the Westminster Club’s famed Junior Showmanship competition. With a solid win under her belt Bisher began to realize that her passion was her calling and it would come to shape the course of her life. By the time college arrived, Bisher had gone on to become a professional dog handler, helping her clients win prestigious titles, including the National Specialty Best of Breed and the All-Breed Best in Show awards. This was all while juggling her studies at St. Louis University, where she earned her Master of Art in communications and continued on to get her post-graduate degree. From there, Bisher spent years working in advertising, broadcast journalism and public relations, building up an impressive business resume all while maintaining her commitment to working with dogs, especially at the competitive level. She also became an official judge with the American Kennel Club and a member of many esteemed dog and kennel clubs across the country. Now, some 30-odd years later, Bisher has found the ideal balance in her life. She is raising a 10-year-old daughter with her husband; all this while continuing on with her Westminster duties. She trains and shows her current dogs, an English cocker spaniel named Simon and a Vizsla named Bella, for various competitive title categories such as conformation, obedience and herding. Bisher likens her innate curiosity and enthusiasm to everything she adores about training dogs. “This is as much about me learning new tricks as it is for them,” she says. Some might think it a challenge being the best in show in your chosen field, but Bisher seems to effortlessly rise to the occasion. Maybe it’s not just the dogs that deserve all the awards, accolades and attention. Ticket information for the Westminster show can be found on westminsterkennelclub.org.

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COURTESY OF WKC

Bisher began showing dogs at a young age. Here, she shows a dog in the 1984 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

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BISHER DEDICATES HER LIFE AND CAREER TO DOG SPORTS DOG PARK Waveny Park New Canaan “It’s on-leash, so no worrying about dogs running amok.”

BISHER’S LOCAL FAVORITES FOR DOG OWNERS

NEIGHBORHOOD WALK Rowayton “My girlfriends and I meet up regularly and go in a pack.”

“Dogs can run offleash during certain times of the year, so be sure to check ahead.”

PET SUPPLIES & OUTFITTERS The Pawprint Market, Darien “I also order from chewy.com because I can get supplies for my bird at the same time.”

DOG TRAINERS Portchester Obedience Training Club, Portchester, N.Y. “The best at what they do!”

clockwise from top: Bisher makes an appearance on Good Morning America. Bisher with reporter Lester Holt at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Bisher showing a dog in her teen years. Bisher reports on dog sports for the Fox network.

PORTRAIT BY ANDREA CARSON; GOOD MORNING AMERICA AND FOX BROADCAST TEAM OF 3 J. GRASSA FOR WKC; NBC NIGHTLY NEWS COURTESY OF WKC ; COMPETITION PHOTO COURTESY OF WKC

DOG-FRIENDLY BEACH Bayley Beach, Rowayton Weed Beach, Darien

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FRENCH BULLDOG BY MAX - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; GOLDERN RETREIVER AND GOLDEN LABRADOODLE BY POLOLIA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; AUSTRALIAN SHEPHARD BY ELLES RIJSDIJK - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; BLACK COCKAPOO BY NATHAN_0834 - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; DALMATIAN BY HELGA1981 - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PUP FOR YOU screenings before breeding dogs, and they are dedicated to producing pups of sound mind and body that maintain the features of purpose-bred dogs. You can find preservation breeders on akc.org. Trendy mix-breeds that come from commercial breeders are a gamble with no recourse for the buyer.

WHEN DECIDING TO BRING A DOG INTO OUR FAMILY, WHAT SHOULD WE CONSIDER? The first step is learning about what the breeds were originally bred to do as this will give insight into their needs. Next, take a look at your lifestyle. Are you active? Do you have spare time and money for additional grooming? Are you going to take the dog on the boat? WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK FOR IN A BREEDER? I recommend preservation breeders because they do health

time to start thinking about the breeds for when we were ready to add new family members. In 2015 we moved to Darien and had more space for dogs. I wanted mediumsized dogs that are trainable and fun loving. I had always wanted an English cocker spaniel so now was the time and my husband had always been attracted to the athletic Vizsla. Having sporting breeds means wonderful temperaments with kids and active dogs that want run and be out in the world.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THE DOGS YOU’VE HAD AS PETS? Even though I’m very familiar with dog breeds it was still a serious consideration before making a commitment. Growing up with herding breeds, I was used to very trainable dogs. They listened to commands and wanted to please you. Then when I lived in New York City and had miniature dachshunds it was an adjustment to their independent hound temperament. They were less interested in following commands. Our dachshunds were older when we had our daughter and moved out of the city to Rowayton; after they passed away (six months apart) it was

WHAT ABOUT PUPPY TRAINING? One of the most important things a new owner can do for a puppy is to train it to be handled. That means touch it all over on a regular basis so the pup will accept being examined by the vet and handled by a groomer in the future. Additionally, socialize the puppy within the community. Taking them out and about regularly will help shape them into a

favorable community member. Puppy classes are very helpful with this as well, especially if the owner doesn’t have experience training a pup. Puppies are very timeconsuming so don’t forget that you can also adopt a purpose-bred adult dog if you feel that is a better fit for your family. The AKC Rescue Network akc.org/akc-rescuenetwork is the largest network of dog rescue groups in the country. THERE ARE SO MANY CHOICES WHEN IT COMES TO DOG FOODS. WHAT DO YOU FEED YOUR DOGS? Like a lot of dog owners who compete, I rotate between premium brands of food every couple of years. I’ve had the best results with Purina Pro Plan, Fromm Gold and Royal Canin. For training treats, I use healthy items like blueberries, baby carrots, green beans or Rawbble an organic freeze-dried product. In the show ring, we use chicken or beef liver as bait.

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The

THE GOOD LIFE TEAM

Good Life

jan e l ale xan de r v e n e r a ale xan drova li z baron garv i n bu rk e ti m carr m ary kate ho gan ji ll john s on m an n ju le e kapl an cri sti n m ar an di n o d on na moffly dian e se m brot li s a se rv i di o

We’re all on the hunt for new and creative ways to live life better here. And the fun doesn’t stop at our borders. We explore what our town and our neighbors have to offer

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AT HOME

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HOME DECOR

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DINING

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FAMILY

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FASHION

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JEWERLY

105 Ways

to live, play, relax and dine in Fairfield County

OPPOSITE PAGE: WASSANA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; THIS PAGE COURTESY OF DESINGER/BRAND

ho doesn’t like a little guidance on where to go and what to do? Maybe you’re a part of the new wave of residents who discovered our little corner of the world during Covid (if so, welcome!). Perhaps your memory needs to be jogged after a few years of limited activity (so much for two weeks to flatten the curve). Or possibly you just need some intel on the new places and faces that now call Fairfield County home. Whatever the case, there are plenty of gems waiting to be discovered. Here we offer up some great ways to bring your living spaces to the next level, enjoy family time, take advantage of the booming dining scene and, of course, shop gorgeous fashion and jewelry finds. After all, isn’t that what makes for a good life? »

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TheGoodLife ||| AT HOME

HomeWork

The kind we like, that is. Experts weigh in on some spectacular ideas to bring your escape from the world to the next level

here’s no place like home … to relax, work, entertain, be pampered, play sports, sunbathe, or do almost anything. In changing times, people turn to the comfort of their dwellings, and local architects and designers say they’re outfitting high-end houses like never before. They shared some inspiration and advice for living your best life in your home zone. b y mary k ate ho gan

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above: With exceptional views of Long Island Sound, this porch at a Riverside home designed by Charles Hilton Architects features New York gray flagstone flooring and a fireplace made of reclaimed local fieldstone that helps the homeowners extend their time outside. (Windows and doors are from Little Harbor Window Company.)

With stunning views like this, who wouldn’t want to work from home? newcanaandarienmag.com

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CHARLES HILTON PHOTOS BY ROBERT BENSON PHOTOGRAPHY

OUTSIDE IN

CHARLES HILTON ARCHITECTS

hiltonarchitects.com

With work from home becoming the norm, people are putting major resources toward their home offices. Some create oneof-a-kind dedicated workrooms with beautiful views, while others prefer a space that does double duty as a sitting area, library or a place for guests. The key is to incorporate the functionality of a corporate office, including the best lighting technology and WiFi, while keeping the décor suitable and stylish enough for a residential setting. “People look for comfortable, generous-sized workspaces where they have a main desk and built-in storage, file drawers, shelves and cabinets that hide the office equipment when it’s not being used,” says Chuck Hilton of Charles Hilton Architects. His firm has designed many upscale offices, including one with views so exceptional it may be hard for its owners to stay focused on work. This office is set in a shingle-style house right on the Sound, overlooking Tod’s Point. “It’s light, bright and clean and fits in with the house, yet it makes reference to the waterfront with a nautical theme,” says Chuck. “They are boaters who love to be on the water.” Designed as a his-and-hers office for husband and wife, the twin mahogany desks with brass hardware are built into a bowed space with windows, recalling the bow of a boat. Pull-out storage space between the two desks keeps office supplies and equipment from competing with the views. The ceiling is decked with bead board and mahogany beams. Opposite the desk area there’s comfortable seating for four by a mahogany-trimmed fireplace, perfect if one of the homeowners wants to host a meeting or if they’re looking for a spot to relax after a long day at the “office.”

GAME ON! CHARLES HILTON ARCHITECTS Families who play together will never get bored in the latest well-appointed game and hobby rooms. Some are installing kitchenettes for kids who love to bake, dedicated arts-and-crafts rooms, painting studios, custom pool tables, deluxe ping-pong tables and home theaters. For outdoor “gaming,” in addition to amazing pool houses, certain athletics-minded homeowners are even making room for basketball, squash or tennis courts. One racket-sports–obsessed client of Charles Hilton Architects requested a one-of-kind tennis pavilion on their Georgian estate in Greenwich. It has special details such as rackets carved into stone and windows that reference tennis balls.

above: Tennis anyone? This impressive pavilion on a private estate in Greenwich rivals some area clubs.

SPA RETREAT SBP HOMES sbphomes.com

“The ultimate good life is when your house is a vacation place,” says Doron Sabag of SBP Homes. To that end, his clients are building luxe spa features—spaces to retreat and relax. “We see more and more people asking for infrared saunas in the basement and sauna rooms attached to the master bathroom,” he says. “We’re doing that in almost every [client’s] house.” At one waterfront home in Old Greenwich designed by SBP and Turner-White Architecture, the spa is so unique and spacious that the owners won’t be checking into Miraval anytime soon. The couple, who are Scandinavian and South African, view sauna time as not just a private health treatment but also a social activity and something to benefit the whole family. So their new sauna can accommodate ten to twelve people and the steam room up to five. The steam room is finished in a beautiful Negra Marquina marble, selected by interior designer Amy Hirsch, with curved chaises, radiant heat, niches, benches and a ceiling covered in fiber-optic lights that illuminate constellation patterns. The sauna is lined in a light aspen wood and kept to precise temperatures using a special heater from Finland. Both have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Long Island Sound with sunset views. There’s a terrace off the spa with radiant heat and a fire pit, so they can sit outside even in the colder months. Says Doron, “It was designed to be very soothing, to take away the stress of the day.” » MAY/JUNE 2022 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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4 G LASS HOUSES

VANDERHORN ARCHITECTS

vanderhornarchitects.com

This bright and airy breakfast room brings the outdoors in, offering the best of both worlds.

5 VANDERHORN ARCHITECTS WE’LL DRINK TO THAT

above: A high-tech wine wall provides state-of-the-art storage for the most selective of connoisseurs.

For collectors, some type of wine storage is a must-have. At a waterfront estate designed by Vanderhorn Architects, the concept has gone high tech with a James Bond-esque wine wall. The wall storage, which is three bottles deep, keeps the wine at precise temperatures and has built-in security. There’s a touchpad next to the wall, and only the right fingerprint will unlock the bottles.

BREAKFAST ROOM: ROBERT BENSON PHOTOGRAPHY WINE WALL: PETER BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

Our desire to spend time close to nature and boost our vitamin D levels is driving projects like sun rooms, conservatories and interior spaces that connect to the outdoors. At one client’s house in midcountry Greenwich, Vanderhorn Architects created a backyard patio with stone fireplace and a glass roof that has its own heating system. “It extends the year. You can even use it in the rain, crank up the heaters, turn on the fireplace,” says Doug Vanderhorn. To refresh the family’s breakfast room—already a sunny spot with glass doors leading the patio—the team replaced its normal shingle-style roof with a glass top that connects to the patio roof. “It was like adding a piece of greenhouse,” he says. Now the family can start any day of the year feeling like they’re eating al fresco.

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HEALTHY HARVEST HOMEFRONT FARMERS homefrontfarmers.com

Even for those not blessed with a green thumb, a backyard garden bursting with color and fresh vegetables is within reach.

An organic vegetable garden can turn part of your backyard into a bounty for the kitchen, yielding the freshest produce available. But not everyone knows how, what and when to plant. That’s where Homefront Farmers can help. The company designs, plans and plants attractive veggie gardens. Clients are assigned a homestead manager, who will visit and tend to the garden at least once a week from April through late November. The gardens are planted three times during the growing season, bringing in new crops that will thrive in different seasons. “The trick is to grow the right things at the right time,” says John Carlson, who founded Homefront Farmers ten years ago. “You may start out with snap peas, and when they burn out in June you might put in beans and then grow those for a few months and replace those with spinach for the fall.” His team makes the most of space, growing tomatoes in columns and cucumbers or beans up the fence, using vertical space when possible. Clients can pick unusual varieties like beautiful heirloom tomatoes in different hues, dozens of types of peppers, potatoes and squashes (pattypan and French rond de Nice), pumpkins, beans and greens, plus watermelons, cantaloupes and other fruits. All of the organic plants are grown from seed on an eleven-acre farm in Redding. Many clients like to help with the harvest and be active in their gardens. “They want to get their kids involved and show them where food comes from,” says John. “We help people to experience the joy of growing their own food.”

O UTSIDE OPTIONS

ROBERT CARDELLO ARCHITECTS

ROBERT CARDELLO: JANE BEILES; HOMEFRONT FARMERS: CAM GOULD

cardelloarchitects.com

More homes are blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living with rooms that have seamless transitions to decks, patios and yards. Think banks of retractable glass doors, large windows that tuck into pocket walls and motorized bug screens that enable the entire back of a home to open to nature. “People are making outdoor rooms with all the attributes of an indoor room,” explains David LaPierre of Robert Cardello Architects, who says that indoor-outdoor blending is a continuing trend. He designed this waterfront home in Rowayton that opens completely to a multi-level terrace. The outdoor family room features all the comforts of inside, with upholstered seating, flat-screen TV, fireplace and ceiling fan—plus views to the pool, spa and beach beyond. “The only thing missing is walls,” he says.

Staying home doesn’t have to mean staying inside. Gorgeous outdoor living spaces are a continuing trend.

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“It’s calming to have your house in order,” says designer Mary Jo Fornshell of California Closets, who says she’s seen an influx of people wanting to get organized. “It’s a way to take control over your space and improve dayto-day living.” Even in a yoga-pant world where every day is casual Friday, people still care very much about their wardrobes, she says, and a beautiful, custom dressing room is high on people’s wish lists. It’s one spot in the home that is completely tailored to the individual. What’s inside the dream closet? She’s installing shoe walls with mirrored backing, glass shelves for handbags, lots of lighting and mirrors and, yes, wine fridges. Recent projects include a particularly chic all-black closet with black and gray wallpaper and light carpet. Lighting and mirrors keep the space from looking too dark. It has a boutique feel, says Mary Jo, a place to shop your closet and enjoy the ritual of getting dressed up again.

One thing is certain in the fashion world: Boutique-inspired closets will never go out of style.

CONTRIBUTED

CALM & COLLECTED CALIFORNIA CLOSETS californiaclosets.com

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TheGoodLife ||| HOME DECOR

Home Improvement An impressive list of interior stores and designers have popped up in our area over the last year by janel alex ander

Clean lines and organic materials are Stowed’s signature design.

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SKANDI CHIC

STOWED

stowedhome.com

estraint is a skill in interiors that is harder to achieve than it might seem. Clients in search of that modern clean vibe should head on over to Stowed. Elissa Sigalow was looking for high-quality Scandinavian-inspired pieces when she was designing her own home. Unable to find what she wanted, she took matters into her own hands. The result was a combination of dining, accent and lounge chairs created in supple leathers, natural woods and clean textures with a minimalist design. She wanted to create items that she would not tire of over time and were like “that effortlessly cool best friend that sticks with you through it all.” We think she has achieved that and more in this Nordic meets California-inspired space in the heart of Westport.

A QUINTESSENTIAL MIX

FOUND AND DESIGN

foundanddesign.com

If you’re passionate about curating the right mix of new and vintage items, Found and Design in New Canaan is a place you need to check out. Christine Keane is a master curator and opened Found’s doors in 2016 to share her passion for a unique mix of furnishings and home décor. An eclectic array of vignettes on constant rotation with a combination of art, lighting and tabletop items will inspire you to redesign a small space or tackle that larger project. Found and Design offers custom design services for timeless interior style.

Above: Chic vignettes offering design inspiration fill the space at Found and Design.

Above: Vintage furniture and accessories at McGrath 2

CLASSIC MEETS BROWNSTONE

MCGRATH 2 McGrath2.com

Suzanne and Lauren McGrath have a knack for seamlessly blending classic interiors with a masterfully layered Brooklyn townhouse vibe. This mother-daughter team embraces vintage artifacts while seamlessly blending in some of their favorite artisans and artists. This year they expanded to open a studio shop (adjacent to their studio on West Putnam Ave. in Greenwich) to display some of their most treasured pieces. Table linens and special serving pieces are mixed in with muted-toned pillows and vintage finds. Suzanne worked for ten years as the style editor and producer for Martha Stewart before teaming up with her daughter Lauren to found McGrath Interiors. Their style mixes sophistication with an easy, relaxed approach that’s worth checking out.

LA MODA LUCENTI ITALIAN INTERIORS Lucentiinteriors.com Biagio Lucenti has a lineage in interiors and the design that is an integral part of his DNA. His grandfather and father understood the importance of combining beauty in interiors with pieces that would be functional and stand the test of time. Biagio carried this methodology forward and has created a worldwide resource for architects and builders. He brought his love of Italian modernist design from NYC to Greenwich in October of 2021. Entering the bright and airy space is like being transported to the center of Milan. Biagio’s love of Italian fashion, as well as art and design, translates into his custom millwork and is reinforced by the lines he carries such as Flexform, Flos and Pacini & Cappellini. Biagio and his team relish the client experience and set themselves apart by truly understanding clients’ lifestyles and their vision.

Left: Custom millwork is offset by a living wall and inviting seating.

FOUND AND DESIGN BY ERIN KESTENBAUM; MCGRATH2 PHOTO BY READ MCKENDREE; CONTRIBUTED

TheGoodLife ||| HOME DECOR

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TheGoodLife ||| HOME DECOR

Left: The sleek interior Right: The welcoming cottage-style exterior

MODERN DAY WORLD

WEST OUT EAST

westouteast.com

WEST OUT EAST COURTESY OF MARCO PETRINI, PETRINI STUDIO; COURTESY OF TIMOTHY OULTON

The new West Out East now joins its counterparts in NYC and the Hamptons with its stylish location in Westport. This small space packs a big punch with chic resources nestled inside the cottage-style space. Inside you’ll find indoor and outdoor options, storage systems and lighting from brands such as Living Divani, Davide Groppi, and Kasthall. West Out East invites its clientele to “Live Well. Live Modern.” The current collection represents a design philosophy of modern elements that are both functional and stylish—perfect for the suburbanite who appreciates unique and clean design.

14 LÉRON LINENS

Above: Bay Swivel Chair and Shimmer Bar Cabinet Below: Westminster Button Jack’dN Brok’n Sofa

A STORY TO TELL leron.com

Léron Linens is a fourth-generation luxury linen company that knows a thing or two about heritage. Founded in 1910, the company has weathered the Spanish flu, Depression, World War II and now the Covid pandemic. It has serviced a wealth of “who’s-who” in the entertainment industry, royalty and first families like the Kennedys and Reagans. Owners David and Dale Foster are no strangers to custom creations. There’s the client who asked that her guests names (in their own handwriting) be embroidered on her holiday tablecloth at each setting. And the husband who asked to have his wife’s favorite sheet music embroidered on their bedsheets. Léron carries high- quality bed, bath and table linens as well as an assortment of brands that reflect its standards. The New Canaan shop is also excited to bring beautiful comfortable linens to the new ground floor space on 140 Elm Street coming in June.

FEAST FOR THE SENSES

TIMOTHY OULTON

timothyoulton.com

Timothy Oulton will soon bring his British Westerfield sofas to Main Street in Westport. Formerly housed in the Norwalk Lillian August space, this new gallery will be stocked with his eclectic mix of furniture, lighting, home décor and vintage pieces. Oulton looks to create “story filled spaces” that began for him as a boy at his father’s antiques store. His love for the past, combined with an appreciation of today’s modern lifestyle has made him a go-to for his trendy mix of hand-finished leather, ornate lighting and sophisticated fabrics. Guests can enjoy a sip of champagne or tea from vintage English china, while they utilize modern technology like Oulton’s 3D room-planning service. Here, twenty-first century glam meets modern traditionalist. »

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TheGoodLife ||| HOME DECOR

hen you enter Grayson De Vere’s store, you immediately know you’re in for a feast of the senses. Julia Grayson launched her design studio in London before relocating to Greenwich in 2017. The design studio and store are now located on Greenwich Avenue, offering Grayson’s selection of pure and sustainable design. Julia Grayson stocks organic wood bowls, natural textures in linens and upholstery, with an interesting array of dried organic branches, feathers and natural textures to fill your favorite vessel. Her curated selection of wellness and beauty also make this the perfect spot for that hard-to-find gift. Grayson says her unique style of sourcing and design is due to her belief that wellness and happiness are influenced by how a space impacts one’s senses. And impacted we are!

MARCO RICCA

FEATHERED NEST GRAYSON DE VERE graysondevere.com

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TheGoodLife ||| DINING

Good Taste

Part of enjoying the good life in Fairfield County is taking advantage of the stellar food scene. Here are a few restaurants, markets and more to add to your agenda by jill johnson mann

KYLE NORTON

f you’ve survived the last two years with your taste buds intact, we have found a plethora of places that will excite them. Get out there and try them all. Restaurants could use the boost, and what a pleasure it is to once again soak in the ambience of eateries, enjoy the buzz of conversation and be served artfully prepared cuisine. A sweet potato taco washed down with a “Smokey Lafleur,” an acai bowl or a cold-pressed juice, an omelet and artisan coffee, a wellness shot or superfood latte, brick-oven pizza or dry-aged NY strip steak, local striped bass or duck breast, lobster sliders and caviar, sashimi and a juicy burger, Oreo cheesecake or the best bagel in the world, refreshing kombucha in every flavor or an entire bakery of gluten-free goods—the options are endless. Looking for a view, charm or even an altruistic theme rather than just cuisine. There is an eatery here for every craving. Delivery options await those still attached to their sofas, and caterers are here to revive party planning with real live guests mingling outside their Zoom boxes.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

TACO DADDY/THE LILA ROSE

tacodaddystamford.com

Follow @tacodaddyandthelilarose, and two things will happen: First, the food and cocktail photos will make you salivate and immediately call to make reservations at this popular pair of Stamford restaurants. Second, the captions will charm you and crack you up. It’s clear Taco Daddy is not your father’s Mexican joint. Just take a look at the pic of their mighty Crunchwrap. Traditionalists will find loaded nachos, quesadillas, fajitas, meat and fish tacos (each a work of art), but adventurists may go for a sweet potato taco with yogurt, cilantro and pickled cabbage or a cheeseburger taco complete with caramelized onions and special sauce. If you aren’t in the mood for Chicken Tortilla Soup, Birria Ramen with your choice of protein may fit the bill. Craving a cocktail as the DJ begins to spin? From a Smokey Lafleur (mezcal, tequila, lime, hibiscus flowers) to a Missed My Flight (Mi Campo Reposado tequila, housemade pomegranate grenadine, lime) you’re going to want to try them all and then cap off the night with a Fam Boy or Fruity Pebbles shot. Come back for brunch to soak that up. To put on something flashy and feel like you are in Hollywood, visit The Lila Rose. The decadent decor will lift your spirits—gold trees!—and get you in a pretty-inpink mood, no rose-tinted glasses required. The whimsy carries over into a menu of cheeses, tapas, mains, desserts and chocolates to die for. (The “to die for” is meant to modify all of the aforementioned nouns, not just the one that includes an “eight-pound truffle filled with dark chocolate ganache.”) Unusual, tantalizing specials ensure you will never ever get bored at either of these Towne Street establishments. » MAY/JUNE 2022 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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18-20 GRAB & GO BARVIDA

thebarvida.com

Organic Krush has hit Westport, by way of the Hamptons and Virginia, and it has brought its pesticide-GMO-hormone-free menu of organic food and cold-pressed juices to town. Whether you are on a gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian or regular diet, Organic Krush has delicious options: family dinner specials (BBQ salmon, gluten-free chicken parmesan, steak kabobs, mac & cheese), an irresistible breakfast-all-day menu, made-toorder bowls/wraps/tacos/salads with endless ingredients to pick from, soups (including various bone broths), acai bowls, a kids’ menu and gourmet to-go meals.

This Darien juice bar and cafe promises only 100 percent organic, plant-based products with no sweeteners, chemicals or additives. It’s the kind of clean food a Division 1 athlete like founder and Darien native Brennan Branca considers the optimal fuel for his body: coldpressed juices, superfood smoothies, wellness shots, superfood lattes, acai and smoothie bowls, wraps, rice bowls, salads, toasts, healthy bites (like Paleo Brownies). Barvida takes the doldrums and second-guessing out of healthy eating. Cleanse enthusiasts can choose from one of three programs to reset the body and mind.

ADA’S KITCHEN & COFFEE

heyroost.com

Generations of kids have known Ada’s as the sweetest spot in town. This Riverside institution began as a penny candy store and has been transformed by Greenwich natives Mike and Krista Pietrafeso into an eatery offering breakfast, lunch and to-go dinners, as well as locally roasted artisan coffee. The menu features seasonal food “scratchmade” with fresh ingredients from local farms and purveyors. Salads, sandwiches, omelets, soups, smoothies, kid fare—Ada’s has it all. Top off your meal with an espresso or a tasty treat special, like Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread, or go old school with a handful of “penny” candy.

VIEW & ORGANIC

THE WHEEL & CISCO BREWERS

thevillagewheel.com thevillagestamford.com/cisco-brewers/

The creative juices flow throughout Stamford’s industrial-chic work/play superspace, The Village, and the kitchen of its anchor restaurant, The Wheel, is no exception. Here, fresh ingredients from over forty local farmers, fisherman and purveyors, and from the rooftop garden, are the artistic tools with which chefs and mixologists create masterpieces. The menu covers everything from pizza to a dry-aged NY Strip or vegetarian Cauliflower Steak. East Coast oysters and a lobster roll are fitting choices to complement the waterfront view. The Root Beer Float and Pistachio Cheesecake beckon from the dessert menu, amid other mouth-watering options and fancy digestifs from mezcal to cognac. Nantucket-based Cisco Brewers brings a relaxed vibe to its new CT outpost at The Village, complete with pet-friendly outdoor patio dining, live music and Cisco seasonal brews and cocktails. In the chilly months, Cisco moves inside to The Wheel bar, where cult-favorite beers and a bar menu are available Wednesday to Sunday.

MODERN TAVERN

SOUTH END

thesouthendgroup.com

This rustic, lively tavern in New Canaan offers farm-to-table fare that promises to electrify taste buds. Chef/owner Nick Martschenko uses local, organic ingredients in his creative dishes. There’s white truffle kale Caesar and rock shrimp chowder, fried baby artichokes and Nonna’s meatballs, local striped bass or duck breast, and other salads, seafoods, meats and pasta dishes (including gluten-free options). South End also serves brunch. Hangover Hash—braised short ribs, crispy potatoes, cherry peppers, green onions and sunnyside eggs—may be just the ticket after an evening indulging in South End’s coveted cocktails and live music. »

ORGANIC KRUSH: CONTRIBUTED; ADA’S BY JULIE BIDWELL; BARVIDA BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA; THE VILLAGE BY KYLE NORTON; SOUTH END BY RUTH STEIFEL

ORGANIC KRUSH

organickrush.com

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23-25 CATERING ROCK STARS

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FOOD WITH A VIEW

DIANE BROWNE CATERING (BROWNE & CO.)

DIANE BROWNE BY PHIL NELSON; SELDENS BY BRUCE PLOTKIN; FOOD DESIGN BY CAITLYN MCGARTY; LA PLAGE, CONTRIBUTED; L’ESCALE, CONTRIBUTED

dianebrowne.com

Lavish weddings, intimate dinners, corporate lunches— Diane Browne has been catering all kinds of Fairfield County events for the past twenty-five years. Named “Preferred Caterer” by The Darien Community Association, Diane Browne Catering’s corporate clients range from Westport Country Playhouse to Bank of America. Browne wows with exquisite details and planning prowess but prides herself on an easy-going style that puts clients at ease. She uses the freshest local, organic ingredients to create simple yet elegant cuisine that is both beautiful and delicious. Browne & Co, which incorporates Diane’s shop, cafe and catering business on the Post Road in the heart of Darien, is the realization of her longtime dream. Customers can stop in the Browne & Co. shop and browse the home decor, fashion accessories, jewelry and gifts for all ages, and then enjoy a pastry and coffee, soup, salad or sandwich at the cafe, or pick up a quiche, pot pie or beef bourguignon to take home. Go to her website to read the rave reviews.

MARCIA SELDEN CATERING

FOOD DESIGN CATERING

marciaselden.com

fooddesigncatering.com

Even if you have no intention of hiring a caterer, check out Marcia Selden’s artful website. You will find yourself inspired, drooling and likely on the phone to book an event or at least put in an order for a weekly delivery of delectable pre-packaged meals. Orders are delivered every Thursday, from New York to New Haven (the Hamptons included). This Stamford-based family-run business began in Marcia’s kitchen forty years ago. The food is top-notch, the theme is fun and the service is personal—check out the team on the “About” page, and you’ll be charmed. Marcia’s son Jeffrey was executive director of catering for the New York Palace Hotel before joining the family biz (he was also Julia Child’s TA in college). Marcia’s daughter Robin is executive chef and “visionaryin-chief” responsible for the creativity of the company and its cuisine. From casual clambakes to ritzy weddings, Marcia Selden’s events—held at The Norwalk Art Space, Bartlett Arboretum, Bruce Museum, Graybarns, The Glass House, among other unique venues—are always memorable. Want a curated experience with plant-based cuisine? Check out the Naked Fig Catering arm of the business; Matthew Kenney Cuisine has got you covered.

Chef Michael Batt, a frequent Food Network guest chef, has been hailed as “ingenious” by New York magazine’s Hal Rubenstein, and his catering clients agree. From wedding guests who are still raving about the food years later to hosts who are forever grateful for the service, professionalism and innovative dishes that made for legendary dinner or cocktail parties, the raves are endless for the catering company that husband-wife team Michael and Gallia have created. Drawing on his training at the Culinary Institute of America and years of work at top New York City restaurants (Patroon, Lespinasse, The Royalton, Windows on the World) as well as executive chef experience at City Hall, Thom and Terrence Brennan’s Seafood & Chop House, Batt personally designs the menu with each catering client. He seeks out the freshest and finest ingredients and prides himself on continually creating new culinary delights. Chef Batt’s own food brand, Purest Foods, received an Instagram rave from actor/director Ron Howard after a delivery of delectable short ribs cheered him up during Covid quarantine.

LA PLAGE

laplagewestport.com Westport’s prime waterfront restaurant spot in the Longshore Inn is now home to La Plage. The sweeping views of Long Island Sound and casualchic vibe complement a menu focused on locally harvested seafood and shellfish and gardenfresh produce. The oyster bar offers seven types of oysters. Fairfield Cheese Shop stocks the Farmstead Cheese platter, and appetizers include Crispy Goat Cheese and Artichoke Barigoule. Langouste fans can go with a lobster roll or lobster risotto. Burgers or steak frites await those who prefer the farm to la plage. If white chocolate créme brûlée and chocolate lava cake don’t leave a sweet enough taste, there’s always the Dutch chocolate espresso martini.

L’ESCALE

lescalerestaurant.com Dinner in France, anyone? At l’escale, at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel, French chef Frederic Kieffer promises to transport diners to the Côte d’Azur with his seasonal Mediterranean cuisine. A lovely waterfront terrace, charming wood-burning fireplace and authentic 200-yearold terra cotta tile flooring from Provence assist in teleporting guests to their favorite French village or seaside resort. There, they can savor shellfish galore, Tsar Imperial Caviar, tuna tartare, bouillabaisse and roasted lamb chops. An additional Market Menu offers the best of seasonal entrées, and “Les Snacks” tempt with finger foods like Maine lobster sliders and Andouille pigs in a blanket. The dessert menu will land chocolate lovers in heaven, and the wine list will do the same for connoisseurs. »

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28-31 NEW MUST-TRY RESTAURANTS THE PORCH AT CHRISTIE’S

THE COTTAGE (GREENWICH)

theporchatchristies.com

thecottagewestport.com

DIVINA

divinastamford.com

This modern Italian restaurant in downtown Stamford promises a chic but comfortable ambiance and a creative menu—plus the classic dishes a traditionalist craves and brick-oven pizza. Owner Enzo Bruno is such a believer in what Divina brings to the cuisine scene that he opened a restaurant in the midst of the pandemic. The chef uses a combination of locally sourced and fine imported products, and his dishes are complemented by crafted cocktails and a boutique-style wine list. Divina also has private party space and an outdoor area for open-air happy hours.

L’OSTAL

restaurantlostal.com

In the old language of Occitania, “Ostal” refers to house and the hospitality of welcoming others into your home—and key to that is cooking. Darien’s L’Ostal welcomes diners to savor the cuisines of Southern France and neighboring Italian and Spanish regions. Chef Jared Sippel may be from Iowa, but his time working in a restaurant in Provence bestowed a Frenchman’s mastery of ostal— and cooking skills that took him to Relais & Chateau’s three Michelin star Quince in San Francisco, where he met L’Ostal GM Joe Cracco. Cracco went on to work as sommelier at New York’s Le Bernardin and brings his refined palate and service to this fine Provencal outpost.

Brian Lewis’s Westport restaurant recently opened a location on Greenwich Avenue, where fans will find the same attention to sourcing the best of the season from local farmers and purveyors to create unforgettable, creative American cuisine. Some favorites from the Westport locale will be on the menu, which will feature small and large plates and plenty of new items to discover. Whether indulging in a flowery sashimi starter, a mouthwatering Cottage Burger, scrumptious pancakes or a brunch BLT, decadent lobster or hearty meat dishes, along with the prettiest cocktails, the Cottage always impresses. » THE PORCH BY JULIA D’AGOSTINO; DIVINA AND L’OSTAL, CONTRIBUTED; THE COTTAGE BY LULI BURKE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THE COTTAGE GREENWICH

The Porch at Christie’s in Westport has a three-pronged mission: food, community, purpose. The new owners, longtime Westporters Andrea and Bill Pecoriello, respect the history of the almost 100-yearold gem, which has been a go-to spot through the generations for residents to pick up local food items and students to lick ice cream cones on the porch. The offerings have now expanded to a full menu of sandwiches, salads, burgers and brunch, plus baked goods, ice cream, coffee and even cold platters or hot trays of catered food. The environment favors the gathering of community members—from moms lunching to construction workers grabbing breakfast to clusters of jovial kids hanging out after school. Best of all, the Porch and its Sweet P Bakery are committed to training and employing people with disabilities.

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32-34 PASSION PROJECTS THE CHEESECAKE COLLECTION

thecheesecakecollection.com

The Cheesecake Collection offers every traditional cheesecake you can imagine and a whole lot of flavors you’d never dream up. Candy Craze, Bangin’ Baklava, Outrageous Oreo, Very Berry, Banana Cream—those are just a few of the options you can have delivered to your doorstep (free on Saturdays within a ten-mile radius) or have ready for pick up after they are custom made just for you.

GRATEFUL FOOD COMPANY

gratefulfoodcompany.com

THE CHEESE COLLECTION, IG @CHEESECAKECOLLECTION; GRATEFUL FOOD, IG @GRATEFULFOODCO; EAST COAST KOMBUCHA BY CLAUDIA SENDELBACH

Order a meal (for pickup or delivery) or peruse the extensive catering menu at Grateful Food. It has grab-and-go at Shearwater Coffee on the Post Road in Westport. Also order ahead for beignets, donuts, biscuits and a delicious breakfast biscuit sandwich from Grammie’s Donuts & Biscuits (also at grammiesgfc.com) and Little Dumpling House dumplings, sushi bowls and Asian-inspired favorites—with pick up at the kitchens at 971 Post Road E., Westport.

EAST COAST KOMBUCHA COMPANY

eastcoastkombucha.com

Place your order by Tuesday at noon and have refreshing kombucha delivered to your door by Wednesday afternoon. This naturally sweet, effervescent beverage is chock-full of probiotics, organic enzymes and antioxidants, making it a great alternative to soda. Kombucha has been enjoyed for thousands of years for its many health benefits—supporting the immune system (who doesn’t need that lately?), boosting energy and mental clarity and aiding in digestion. With an array of flavors, such as Blueberry Ginger, Tangerine Turmeric and Lavender Lemonade, your taste buds won’t get bored. Enjoy a free brewery tour at 2 p.m. on Saturdays. »

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35-37 PASSION PROJECTS COFFEE FOR GOOD

coffeeforgood.org

Coffee for Good, founded by Abilis, is one coffee shop where caffeinating its customers is secondary. The primary mission of this nonprofit, which has set up shop in Greenwich, is to provide employment-based training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The menu includes coffee drinks, teas and cold beverages as well as baked goods and a small selection of salads, sandwiches and soup. Coffee for Good brand coffee and swag are also on sale to support this meaningful cause. A section on the website guides companies interested in hiring the people trained here. Coffee for Good’s Inclusive Employment Team and an Abilis job coach insure a seamless transition.

BY THE WAY BAKERY

popupbagels.com

By the Way Bakery in Greenwich is an old-fashioned bakery with a new-fangled twist—‘cause, by the way, everything they bake is glutenfree, dairy-free and certified kosher. Forbes called founder Helene Godin’s New York locations “NYC’s top glutenfree bakery chain.” Choose from over twenty different cakes (including wedding cakes and custom-made birthday cakes), an array of muffins, cookies, creme puffs and bars that By the Way Bakery promises are just as yummy as conventional baked goods. There is a list of ingredients and allergens for every product, so even for the most sensitive sweets aficionado, By the Way Bakery treats are worry-free.

Recently awarded the top prize at Brooklyn Bagel Festival, PopUpBagels will amaze even the most die-hard New York bagel fanatic. The business started in a backyard with a new recipe for an American fave, and before long PopUpBagels was cranking out 400 dozen bagels per weekend. PopUpBagels also offers “schmears”— cream cheese in tasty flavors like Honey Chipotle and Spinach & Artichoke. Regulars are so hooked that PopUp started offering subscriptions, so fans didn’t risk going a week without their fix as stock sells out so fast. Pick up is available in Westport and Cos Cob; you can probably just follow the aroma to figure out where.

COFFEE FOR GOOD BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA; BY THE WAY BAKERY BY JULIE BIDWELL, POPUPBAGELS, IG @POPUPBAGELS

POPUPBAGELS

btwbakery.com

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Are We Having Fun Yet? If you’re planning a party or just looking for one, there’s something here for you by liz barron

KYLE NORTON

hether you’re looking for leisure or adventure or just plain fun, we’re pretty sure you’ll find something for everyone in the family right here in Fairfield County. From state-of-the art climbing facilities to boat charters, you’re going to want to check out everything on this list.

Tonk gallery owner Jo Tonkovich rents out her space for parties and hosts several art events in New Canaan. She is wearing ba&sh pants, Vince rib trim tie back tank and Sorel wedge sandals, available at Darien Sport Shop. MAY/JUNE 2022 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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UP IN THE AIR

GET AIR

getairsports.com

SKY ZONE

skyzone.com

BETA CLIMBING

betarocks.com

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GAMES GALORE Whether you’re hosting a private event or just looking for a fun night out, Pinstripes in Norwalk (located in the SoNo Collection) is always a score. With a full bar, restaurant, bowling and bocce, everyone is sure to have a blast. RPM Raceway in Stamford is another spot for both kids and adults to play. It has hi-speed go-karting, bowling, an arcade with VR games and a huge sports bar ready to accommodate both personal and private parties as well as same-day walk-ins.

TURF TIME

SONO FIELD HOUSE

sonofieldhouse.com

The SONO Field House has 52,000 square feet of field space for indoor sports and events. It has leagues, clinics and camps for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball/softball, football, volleyball and more. Their turf fields can be utilized by up to three different sports at once or can serve as one ultimate field.

above: High-speed go-karting is the name of the game at RPM Raceway in Stamford.

RPM RACEWAY

rpmraceway.com

PINSTRIPES

pinstripes.com above: BETA Climbing in Stamford offers challenging rock wall courses for children and adults alike.

44-46 PARTY ON Birthday parties at home have been on the rise over the past few years and luckily for parents, there are a plethora of ways to make them more fun than ever. Rosebud Slumber Parties and Tiny Tent Sleepovers both help create magical experiences in a super creative fashion with themed tent setups. It will deliver tents and decorations, set them up and then come for cleanup the next day. There are lots of options for boys and girls from sports themes to princesses and tea parties. Rolling Video Games of New England is another home party favorite for locals. Its decked-out party truck rolls up to your driveway with everything needed for a fun party. Choose from a fully stocked video game truck, laser tag, foam parties and portable mini golf. The team sets up in your yard, leads the kids in the games and cleans up when it’s over. Nice.

Slumber party setups from Rosebud Slumber Parties are a birthday child’s dream.

ROLLING VIDEO GAMES OF NEW ENGLAND

rollingvideogamesct.com

ROSEBUD SLUMBER PARTIES

rosebudslumberparties.com

TINY TENT SLEEPOVERS

tinytentsleepovers.com

SONO FIELD HOUSE: PHOTO BY OVERTIME ATHLETICS; ROSEBUD SLUMBER PARTIES: TIFFANI DJIOUNAS (TIFFANIPHOTO.COM); RPM RACEWAY: EYAL FARAGE; BETA ROCKS: CONTRIBUTED

For adventure-loving thrill seekers looking to bounce, Get Air in Stamford and Sky Zone in Norwalk are calling your name. Get Air has trampolines, dodgeball, slamball, ninja activities, a foam pit and then some. It’s the perfect place to visit with the whole family on a rainy day or to host a birthday party. Sky Zone in Norwalk has a trapeze and swing and glow-jumping hours; it also offers camps for children. For those who would rather keep their height seeking slow and steady, BETA Climbing in Stamford is the place. Rock climbing enthusiasts can challenge themselves on their state-of-the-art walls as well as workout in their gym. They have classes for adults and children and host events ranging from birthday parties to corporate team building activities.

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BAKE OFF

NORA’S OVENWORKS

norasovenworks.com

Nora’s Ovenworks in Stamford is a full-service bakery that also welcomes customers to drop in and decorate their own cakes or cookies. They host parties and events for adults and children as young as five in a variety of fun themes like hot chocolate bomb making, cake painting, cookie decorating or, for the more competitive, cupcake wars. Each party comes with pizza, cake and one apron per party-goer. They also offer classes and workshops.

GREENWICH HARBOR CRUISE LINES: CONTRIBUTED; NORA’S OVENWORKS: ERIN BORZELLINO; GRACE FARMS: IWAN BAAN; LOCKWOOD-MATHEWS MANSION MUSEUM: DAVID SCOTT PARKER ARCHITECTS, PHOTOGRAPHER: STEFAN TURNER; STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER: CONTRIBUTED

above: Book a private charter from Greenwich, Stamford or Bridgeport with Greenwich Harbor Cruise lines.

47-49 CRUISE CONTROL

Living here means water access is right in your backyard. Greenwich Harbor Cruise Lines offers two-, three- and four-hour private charters out of Greenwich, Stamford and Bridgeport. The Seaport Association of Norwalk has a vessel available for two-hour charters for up to forty-nine people for sunset cruising and sightseeing. The Sheffield Island Ferry has lighthouse sightseeing day trips and is a favorite among both children and adults. Captain John’s Tiki Tours in Stamford is the perfect spot for a summertime happy hour. The unique floating lounge sails around Stamford’s scenic harbor, while visitors can enjoy cocktails and panoramic views. Sweet.

GREENWICH HARBOR CRUISE LINES

greenwichharborcruiselines.com

SEAPORT ASSOCIATION OF NORWALK SHEFFIELD ISLAND FERRY

seaport.org

CAPTAIN JOHN’S TIKI TOURS

captjohnstikitours.com

50-52 CULTURE CLUB

History buffs, art collectors and nature lovers rejoice. Grace Farms in New Canaan is a multipurpose property that looks like a piece of art itself, located amid eighty acres of breathtaking views of meadows, ponds and woods. Events, workshops and classes are held year-round, and visitors are welcome daily to visit the library, stroll around the premises and enjoy lunch in the cafe. Lockwood–Mathews Mansion in Norwalk was built in 1864 by LeGrand Lockwood, financier and railroad tycoon. Its architecture displays all of the beauty of the Victorian Era. Whether you are interested in simply touring the mansion or visiting one of the exhibits, your interest is sure to be piqued. The Bendel Mansion located on the grounds of the Stamford Museum & Nature Center was once a private residence. The beautiful and historic building now houses sculptures, art and rotating exhibits, and the Great Hall doubles as a space to host private events. »

above: Grace Farms in New Canaan is located on eighty beautiful acres of land to explore.

above: A tour of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion in Norwalk is like a walk through historic times.

GRACE FARMS

gracefarms.org

LOCKWOOD–MATHEWS MANSION MUSEUM

lockwoodmathewsmansion.com

STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER

stamfordmuseum.org

above: The Stamford Museum & Nature Center offers fun for the whole family.

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SWEET TOOTH

School of Rock

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SOUND OF MUSIC Music lovers of all ages have some great local options when interested in learning to play an instrument or perfect their vocal pitch. The School of Rock has locations in Fairfield, New Canaan and Greenwich and offers lessons for adults and children as young as three. They have music camps and workshops for musicians of all levels. Students participate in live performances that make attendees feel like they are at a real concert. The Connecticut School of Music has locations in both Westport and Greenwich and, in addition to lessons, offers concentrated studies in ear training (Solfège), music theory and chamber music. They also have a children’s orchestra and choir. And, if you’re interested in acting, The Studio for Performing Arts in New Canaan has a stellar program for voice, piano, guitar and acting lessons. Private lessons are also offered.

SCHOOL OF ROCK

schoolofrock.com

THE CONNECTICUT SCHOOL OF MUSIC

ctschoolofmusic.com

THE STUDIO FOR PERFORMING ARTS

thestudioperformingarts.com

When it comes to cool choices for sweets, southern Connecticut is a dessert lover’s delight. Milkcraft in Fairfield has a mind-blowing menu with complex and mouth-watering ice cream varieties like S’mores Campfire, with deep-cocoa chocolate, fire-roasted marshmallow and graham cracker crumbs. For those into a traditional creamy treat, Gopher Ice Cream has locations in almost every town in Fairfield County. Saugatuck Sweets in Westport is always packed with goodies from locally made Longford’s ice cream, where you can grab a cone or opt for a take-home kit of waffles and ice cream or root beer and ice cream to make the ultimate float. Brendan’s 101 in Rowayton is the perfect place to stop for a pre- or postbeach cone. Gelato lovers are also in luck. Gelato & Cioccolato in Cos Cob not only has a wide variety of flavors (that come from organic fruit grown locally) but also has a gelato truck that can be hired for parties. For those looking for a lighter fare, 16 Handles in Stamford has frozen yogurt with a plentiful array of toppings to choose from. Finally, Nutty Bunny in Norwalk has organic, vegan ice cream that is non-dairy, nutbased, plant-based, non-GMO and so darn delicious.

MILKCRAFT

milkcraftca.com

GOFER ICE CREAM

SAUGATUCK SWEETS BRENDAN’S 101

saugatuck-sweets.com

brendans101.com

GELATO & CIOCCOLATO 16 HANDLES

gelatoecioccolato.com

16handles.com

NUTTY BUNNY

gofericecream.com

nuttybunny.com

TONK

jotonkart.com Grab your girlfriends and book a party at Tonk in New Canaan, the art gallery owned by local artist Jo Tonkovich. The space is filled with colorfully energetic fun, where you can be inspired by the art around you and create something of your own, too. Tonk has hosted painting parties on traditional mediums like paper and canvas, but you can also get super creative and make really anything your heart desires. Tonkovich will work with you to personalize it and provide materials. Sign us up!

above: Milkcraft in Fairfield offers unique treats in must-try flavors like cookie butter blue.

SCHOOL OF ROCK: CONTRIBUTED; TONK: KLYE NORTON; MILKCRAFT: CONTRIBUTED

ART PARTY

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Fashion Fix

Whether you’re looking for everyday pieces, something for your guy or a last-minute party frock, look no further. Our shops are brimming with new possibilities by janel alex ander

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DENIM TRENDS

MAXIMIZE THE FABRIC STAPLE

his fabric is not just for jeans anymore. Dresses, skirts and shackets are perfect additions that go with just about everything. And if you need a skinny jean upgrade, all of these shops have lots of silhouettes to keep it fresh and modern.

CONTRIBUTED

FIND THEM HERE Frame, Greenwich Madewell, The Westchester Rag & Bone, Greenwich Great Stuff, Greenwich, Westport Veronica Beard, Greenwich

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Frame Micro flare denim dress, $298.

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Staying Local

The past year has seen new stores joining existing favorites. These resources will help with all those spring fashion needs

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ALPHA MALES

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SMART STYLE

WHERE TO FIND YOUR GO-TO STAPLES

Having the right staples in your wardrobe to pair with your favorite pieces is a stylist’s secret weapon. Having the right spots to find them is a shopper’s dream. Whether it’s that perfect black pant, a simple yet classic sweater that works overtime or the perfect trench to pull it all together, these locations are sure to have all the classics that will give your closet the quality over quantity it was looking for.

FIND THEM HERE Brochu Walker, Westport Darien Sport Shop, Darien Vince, Greenwich & Westport Jenni Kayne, Greenwich Ralph Lauren, New Canaan

OPTIONS FOR THE GUYS

Voss lightweight sweater, $318, available at Brochu Walker in Westport

We have seen a resurgence in options for gentlemen that are a welcome addition. If he’s looking to update to the new business casual or needs fun options for hosting at home or hitting the music scene, these locations will style him for work, home, baseball and brunch.

left: All items on the model are available at Eleventy in Greenwich.

below: Veron Ganita Leather Sandal, $350, available at Veronica Beard Greenwich

FIND THEM HERE Todd Snyder, Greenwich Saks mens, Greenwich Eleventy, Greenwich Richards/Mitchells, Greenwich & Westport Rod and Gunn, Greenwich

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FIND THEM HERE

THE FINISHING TOUCH

Intermix, Westport & Greenwich Veronica Beard, Greenwich Saks Shoes, Greenwich Richards, Greenwich

SHOES FOR ALL OCCASIONS

The interior of the Saks shoes salon in Greenwich

Nothing can make or break your look like a great pair of shoes. We’ve got the local resources for you to grab the splurge-worthy accessory from the perfect kitten heel to a fun dressed-up sneaker.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF STORES/BRANDS

above: Todd Snyder offers plenty of great options for the guys.

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DRESS TO IMPRESS

WHERE TO SHOP FOR AN EVENT

Wedding to attend? Speaking engagement? Bar or bat mitzvah circuit on an endless loop? These shops are brimming with the best situation-specific dresses to keep you looking modern, feminine and ready to party the night away.

90-93 HOME GROWN

NEW COMPANIES WITH FRESH IDEAS

Our towns have always been a resource for new ideas. These creative entrepreneurial companies are dishing out some great, unique products—from beach blanket blazers to lace collars for your next Zoom call.

FIND THEM HERE right: Udalie dress, $495, ba&sh, Greenwich

ba&sh, Greenwich Freds, Westport, Old Greenwich Love Shack Fancy, Greenwich The Real Real, Greenwich Intermix, Westport & Greenwich Veronica Beard, Greenwich

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Miguelina Soleil Lace Coverup $690, Stripes Wide Leg Pant, $480, Petticoat Lane, Greenwich

SWIM TO WEAR

GET CREATIVE WITH SWIMWEAR

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF STORES/BRANDS

Swimwear is not just for the beach or pool these days. Pair it as an interesting pop under a button down with shorts or use it as a bodysuit with your favorite maxi suit. Either way, stock up on options that will make you feel vacation-ready.

DUDLEY STEPHENS This female-owned company carries stylish recycled fleece products for women and children. Classic Park Slope Turtleneck in lavender, $158.

LA PRIVE Detachable collars and stylish tops that take you from mom life to work life to social outings are the perfect accent. Elizabeth collar, $45.

SKY BLUE PINK Shop here for ultralightweight sweaters that are meant to be layered for warmth without bulk. The 1,2,3 sweater (layered), $385.

SHINING SEA Elevated surf and apres-surf pieces come in novel styles like a terry blazer to pop over a swimsuit. GBC blazer, $330.

FIND THEM HERE Dudley Stephens, dudley-stephens.com La Prive, leprive.com Sky Blue Pink, skybluepinkclothing.com Shining Sea, shiningseasport.com »

FIND THEM HERE Eres, Greenwich Soleil Toille, Westport Everything But Water, Greenwich Petticoat Lane, Greenwich

MAY/JUNE 2022 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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TheGoodLife ||| JEWELRY

Make It Shine!

98 HEAVY METAL

MANFREDI JEWELS manfredijewels.com

Roberto Coin 18K yellow gold Cunky Paperclip 18-inch necklace, $9,800

Q: Fashion is cyclical. Are you seeing any styles making a comeback?

These jewelers are meticulous about the quality of their craft and the results are unique pieces with the exclusivity that only a local jeweler can offer by janel alex ander

A: “Chunky gold jewelry is trending right now. There is a timeless appeal to these chunky gold necklaces, like this Paperclip necklace. They play into the current resurgence of 1980s style and also allow for layering with other necklaces, creating a cool look that’s being seen on celebrities and locals alike.” —Robert Weintraub, store manager

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ASHA BY ASHLEY MCCORMICK ashabyadm.com

Q: What is the philosophy behind your collections? A: “At ASHA we strive to create limited runs of our collections, so they are exclusive, unique and sustainably produced. Additionally, our fine jewelry and bespoke creations are the best kind of sustainable purchase, as they are heirlooms that can be passed down and enjoyed forever.” —Ashley McCormick, CEO & founder

LOVE HENRY C. REID 100 LAYERED

hcreidjewelers.com

Q: What is a unique gift idea you recommend for someone who has everything? A: “This is the perfect necklace for the woman that has everything. It is adjustable up to 18-inches, making it great to layer with other pieces or wear on its own. It’s perfect for all occasions from the tennis court to a black tie affair— truly a wonderful piece to add to one’s jewelry collection.” —David Glucksman, store manager

Small 18K white gold, 1.03 diamond TCW $3,950 Medium 18K yellow gold, 1.52 diamond TCW $5,950 Large 18K rose gold, 2.65 diamond TCW $14,950 Note: Various diamonds sizes are available. Petite Bespoke Ring, $2,800

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TheGoodLife ||| JEWELRY

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ROLL WITH IT

STEVEN FOX

stevenfoxjewelry.com Q: What is your favorite piece for layering? A: “The best and most popular layering pieces are usually bracelets. Our tubogas rolling bracelets, which come in different sizes and metals, are one of our most sought- after layering pieces. We have a whole collection on our website.”

Three-stone handmade diamond engagement ring (3.45 total ct weight) set in platinum $29,800

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Pearl and diamond earrings, consisting of 8.00 to 9.00 mm pearls with approximately 1.00 total carat weight of mixed cut diamonds $6,800

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—Cathy Glass, store manager

LOVE STORY

RUSS HOLLANDER

PEARL ONE

SHREVE CRUMP AND LOW

ringart.com

shrevecrumpandlow.com

Q: What shapes or styles are trending in engagement rings these days?

Q: What popular looks are you seeing in wedding jewelry?

A: “A nice surprise has been the renewed popularity of the classic three stone ring. Most often with interesting combinations of ascher, emerald or cushion cut centers paired with trapezoids, bullets or shield-shaped side stones.”

A: “We’re seeing a trend back to the classics like these diamond and pearl drop earrings. Pearls create a sophisticated and timeless look that is always appropriate.”

Tubogas Rolling Bangle 18K rose, white and yellow gold bracelet, $11,750

—Russ Hollander, president

—Olivia Walker, vice president

104 TIME VALUE

LUX BOND & GREEN

lbgreen.com

IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

Q: What are some women’s watch trends we can expect to see this year?

Frederique Constant Classics Carrée ladies watch, $2,495

A: “Rolex is our No. 1 watch brand. It is the epitome of durability, prestige and classic perfection. We are proud to be an official Rolex jeweler in all our Connecticut locations. Our newest watch brand is Frederique Constant. It is an accessible brand of timeless elegance.” —Marc A. Green, co-owner

Nam Cho 18k white gold modern diamond hoop earrings, $12,500

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RICHARDS and MITCHELLS

richards.mitchellstores.com

Q: What’s the best piece to style with everyday jeans and a T-shirt? A: “Diamond hoops are an essential part of a jewelry wardrobe and are the perfect way to add some sparkle to everyday essentials, like a T-shirt and jeans.” —Jennifer Farrington, jewelry buyer

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newcanaandarienmag.com

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by scott thomas

TOP ROW: TOM WANG- STOCK.ADOBE.COM; WAVEBREAKMEDIAMICRO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; MIDDLE ROW: PRESSMASTER - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; WAVEBREAKMEDIAMICRO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM BOTTOM ROW; FRAMEANGEL - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; DIDESIGN - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Pivots and upgrades for SENIOR LIVING today

ny business standing still is falling behind. Especially in an era of rapid technology advances and supply-chain shortages, the requirement to pivot quickly, efficiently and intelligently challenges everyone. An unexpected and unrelenting pandemic adds an unwelcome ingredient to a complicated business stew. Perhaps no business has faced more challenges in the past two years than senior living. Senior living executives faced the same issues as other business leaders, but also had to innovate in a 24/7/365 setting, all while considering consequences that could impact current and future residents. Every institutional choice could have life-and-death consequences. While many businesses changed gears to allow employees to work remotely, that is not, and will not ever be, an option for senior living workers.

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EDGEHILL

top row: The landscaped exterior of Edgehill • Residents enjoy an upscale environment bottom row: Elizabeth Dupree, director of sales and marketing • The rooftop garden for socializing; the residence has classes in art, technology and fitness, including walking, water aerobics, yoga, meditation and more.

Other considerations confronted senior living executives, but leaders at area facilities steered their ships with a steady hand in the past five years. One of the benefits for local seniors is the facilities in the region, like the community itself, are incredibly diverse. In whatever setting seniors or their families want to live, there is a solution. Residents also receive the attention of dedicated, skilled and experienced workers. “I don’t think the essence of the industry has changed in the past five years,’’ says Elizabeth Dupree, director of sales and marketing for Edgehill (based in Stamford, it is a Benchmark Lifecare Community senior living residence). “We have grown, as we all have, as a culture and a society. You can’t exclude the pandemic from that. We gathered all of the information people needed, got vaccinated and made our community as safe as possible. All of those things were critical. But taking care of residents was, and always will be, the first priority. It has been amplified for all of us.”

New facilities are coming to the area. Stamford welcomed one to town with the recent opening of Waterstone on High Ridge. The facility offers 146 units with options for assisted living, independent living and memory care. The facility is located at the former General Electric campus with convenient access to High Ridge Road, the Merritt Parkway and downtown. Waterstone residents have options such as a gym with a personal trainer, an indoor pool, a daily selection of freshly prepared meals and community-based social activities. Another important distinction is that Waterstone does not require a buy-in fee. “In our part of the country, it’s not uncommon to see a $1 million entry fee, and people are tying up a significant portion of their nest egg,’’ says Larry Gerber, CEO of EPOCH Senior Living, which runs thirteen facilities in the Northeast (with three under development) and created this facility. “Our model offers a much lower level of risk. People

top row: The dining room at Atria Darien • The library, with plenty of books and relaxing places to enjoy a good read bottom row: The lush courtyard and exterior reveal the classic New England feel at Atria • The cheerful living room

EDGEHILL, CONTRIBUTED; ATRIA DARIEN, COURTESY ATRIA SENIOR LIVING

WHAT’S NEW

ATRIA DARIEN

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WATERSTONE, CONTRIBUTED; ATRIA STAMFORD, COURTESY ATRIA SENIOR LIVING

WATERSTONE ON HIGH RIDGE feel locked in with other models. With our model, we have a thirty-day notice provision. That keeps us on our toes.” Other facilities have focused on renovations. Atria Stamford saw a total community renovation that now includes spacious apartments with upgraded kitchenettes, large closets and bathrooms. It offers a twentyfour-hour concierge service to assist residents as they arrive throughout the day and evening. It also added a bistro for coffee, sandwiches, salads and pizza. A new theater room shows movies, streams educational seminars and hosts lectures and cultural programs. Also a new garden lounge that serves as a pub for cocktails later in the day. “We have added a secluded and tranquil outdoor patio, seasonally with a fresh vegetable garden, colorful flowers, water fountains and a koi pond,’’ says Jason Shott, regional vice president of Atria Senior Living. “This space is a great place to walk, sit and relax, and it also serves as our weekly dance party place. We expanded our ‘Life Guidance’ neighborhood [specialized services for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other memory impairment], to accommodate those who need additional memory-care support. In doing so, we took into consideration the important features of properly caring for, and engaging, residents who need additional support in their day.” Atria Darien upgraded its WiFi capability throughout the building and opened a coffee bar within the bistro. Edgehill, a longtime part of the Stamford community, went through a $21 million renovation project five years ago. Another refresh is already in the works. “We added nine independent-living apartments, built a separate assisted-living facility, and took the twenty-two existing assisted-living units and dedicated it to memory care,’’ Elizabeth Dupree says. “We changed the makeup of our skilled nursing home from sixty-two semiprivate rooms to forty-two private rooms with all the furnishings.”

top row: A modern farmhouse–designed bedroom in the new development, Waterstone on High Ridge by EPOCH, for ages sixty-two and up • The Great Room encourages socializing, with a cozy fireplace, chess set, plenty of books and comfortable places to read and write, enjoy a quiet conversation or work on a hobby. bottom: The hotel-like entrance

ATRIA STAMFORD

top row: The lounge with seating options • Atria Stamford's beautiful garden courtyard bottom row: The residence's living space is as stylish as it is comfortable; here, a living room and kitchenette of a two-bedroom apartment • Bedroom with solarium

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MEADOW RIDGE

top row: A warm and welcoming living space at Meadow Ridge • The exterior, which shows the balconies and countryside view bottom row: Ann Sertl, senior director of community relations • The lovely atrium for comfortable socializing

Meadow Ridge, which is located in Redding, is also making big changes. The facility now includes a dedicated memory-care space, pickleball courts, dog park, casual dining bistro, pitching green for golf and updated gym equipment. “One of the changes in recent years has been creating spaces dedicated to memory care,’’ says Ann Sertl, director of marketing. “We recognized the need to have an area that is specifically for memory care.”

TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION

Amid the new facilities and renovations, another significant shift saw the escalation of technological improvements. “We are wired stem to stern for internal and cell phone access,’’ Larry Gerber, CEO of EPOCH, says. “That wasn’t something we had been thinking about five years ago. Now it’s a must. There has been a huge shift in generational preferences.” One example of the escalating technology centered on a resident at Edgehill. Margaret

Robben’s grandson, NHL player Cam Atkinson, was traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Philadelphia Flyers last summer. Robben posted a tweet in which she wore Atkinson’s new Flyers’ jersey; it was re-tweeted by her famous grandson. “Residents are very tech savvy,’’ Elizabeth Dupree says. “They want to keep up with their grandkids.” Technological upgrades can also help improve patient wellness. Digital recordkeeping will streamline the process, and residents can even schedule virtual visits with physicians. “You’ll see advances in telemedicine that allow residents to have doctor visits virtually inside our communities to keep them safer from exposure to external hospital environments,’’ Atria’s Jason Shott says. “Technology will help improve the care experience, even with concepts like fall detection through wearable tech becoming a reality. You’ll see continual innovations in the care experience overall.”

For all of the renovations and infrastructure upgrades, the bottom line remains centering attention on the quality of care. Business executives accept this must be foremost in their decisions. “One thing that technology can’t replace is a well-trained and caring team of dedicated workers,’’ Shott says. “We will also keep improving our understanding of dementia care and other conditions that tend to accompany the aging process for many people. That is why engagement activities will continue to develop and advance.” Automation has played a key part in many industries, and there is a degree to which it can be used in senior living communities, such as thermostat adjustments and lighting. “It’s such a customer-relationship business, I don’t think there will be a huge impact with automation,’’ Sertl says. “Maybe in the kitchen or behind the scenes, but I don’t ever want to see the human element disappear from what we offer.” The pandemic put these communities to a strenuous test, and they responded. Last year, Edgehill was named one of the Best Nursing Homes in the country by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth straight year. Over 15,000 communities were evaluated, and only 15 percent of them were recognized as high performers for short-term rehabilitation. “Many of our staff members have been with us for twenty years or more,” Dupree says. “During the pandemic, people really saw the benefit of being in a community. It was the best place to be in the worst of times. Their kids are seeing the benefits, too. They didn’t have to worry about parents being home and alone and whether they have enough of everything. They are seeing the benefit of having their parents well cared for. Our residents take advantage of coming to live an amazing lifestyle.” Feeling safe, welcome and loved is hard to improve. “The residents are the heart and soul of the community,’’ Sertl says. “We are here to serve them. They are very engaged in living their lives and we help them do that to the best of our ability.”

MEADOW RIDGE, CONTRIBUTED

STAYING SAFE

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Carriage Barn Arts Center presents:

STOREFRONT EXHIBITION

June 3–18 Downtown New Canaan Arts Festival Saturday, June 4 10am–4pm

(rain date 6/11)

Corner of Elm Street & South Avenue

• Artist Showcase • Demonstrations & Workshops • Live Performances • Chalk Art Challenge • Kids Crafts

carriagebarn.org Presenting Sponsor

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Lead Sponsors

Media Partner

In partnership with

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Erika Christensen

SHE IS RISING

Christa Forrest

ART SHOWCASE & CELEBRATION EXHIBIT

JUNE 2 - 16 5th annual juried art exhibit features artworks in all mediums celebrating women and girls. Exhibit open and free to the public. *All art for sale.*

OPENING EVENT FT. FRAN HAUSER June 2 @ 7pm

ART PARTY BENEFIT June 10 @ 6-8pm

Tara Blackwell

Live music | tequila bar | artist walk & more! Exhibit features an interactive community feminist graffiti wall.

Carriage Barn Arts Center 681 SOUTH AVENUE, NEW CANAAN

New Canaan Darien + Rowayton - May/June 2022

Articles inside

STATUS REPORT