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• THE BEST OF THE GOLD COAST ISSUE•

JULY/AUGUST 2021 | $5.95

celebrate

summer!

RACHEL PRECIOUS WILL SHUCK THOSE OYSTERS FOR YOU

PLUS

Meet Babs

Tips and Tricks from the TikTok Grandma

Get Out of Here Finding our way to Iceland EDUCATION GUIDE Special pull-out section!

Experts weigh in on the bright future of education.

1

WINNERS REVEALED IN

175+

CATEGORIES

{ 121,000 + VOTES }

Ryan Raveis

Co-President

Chris Raveis Co-President

Bill Raveis

Chairman & CEO

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POIS MOI COLLECTION

The Powerhouse Women of Palmer’s

T

he minute you step into Palmer’s, it would be hard not to notice the impact of the women who run it; the gorgeous flowers, a gift shop filled with seasonal decor and home accessories, a parisianstyle bakery and gourmet prepared foods, to name just a few. All of the things that make Palmer’s such a unique grocery shopping experience were developed by the strong mother-daughter team currently running their 100 year old family business.

“W hen I star ted w o r k in g at the store in the 80’s, the supermarket industry was run almost exclusively by men but shopped by women.” Cindy recalls. “Palmer’s was known for quality and great customer service, but I had so many ideas about how to make the shopping experience fun.”

Cindy joined the family business in her early 20s and set right to work upsetting the apple cart. “I was the first woman to work full-time in the business and I was bursting with ideas.

My grandfather and uncles had no idea what to do with me, but my dad, Rocky, was incredibly encouraging. He was a true innovator and super excited by all the changes I wanted to make. He told me to try every idea I had. It was very empowering.”

Her passions would lead her to open the flower shop and gift departments, which have both become intrinsic to Palmer’s shopping experience. Cindy, who has always been a big cook, thought the deli department could offer a lot more than just cold cuts. She started making salads at home and selling them out of the deli case. They sold so well that Palmer’s put in a small kitchen and hired their very first chef, leading eventually to an entire prepared foods section.

Her passion provided the foundation that would transform Palmer’s from a traditional supermarket to one of the most innovative, upscale shopping experiences in the country.

Cindy also took over the advertising and marketing for the store, significantly changing the way the supermarket spoke to its customers.

“Cindy always had the ideas,” said her Uncle Al. “She wasn’t afraid to try them, and that meant a lot. When my mother saw her come into the business, she was thrilled.”

Cindy credits a lot of her inspiration to her grandmother, Olga Palmer. At a time when most women were home raising children, she was working alongside her husband while simultaneously raising three young sons. Her spirit of generosity and community spirit has transcended through the generations and is a part of the fabric that makes Palmer’s what it is today. “Her mantra was ‘Cast your bread upon the water and it will come back to you tenfold.’”

W h e n C i n d y ’s d a u g h t e r, Megan, was born, the girl power continued. “I grew up cooking beside my Mom and Nana, and I have always had a passion for food. I started a baking business out of the house in high school and sold pies and cakes to our friends.” said Megan By her mid-teens, Megan grew restless and as an exceptional student, decided to graduate early to pursue her passion for cooking. She graduated at 17 and started at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

Her academic advisors had questioned why such an exceptional student would opt for a career in a trade. “If I hadn’t had my parents’ support, I might not have taken this

Above, clockwise: Cindy, in the flower shop she created; Megan Palmer Rivera and her grandfather, Rocky; Megan and her daughters; matriarch Olga Palmer.

path. But they believed in me. I saw them following their passions and it inspired me to do the same. My mom always says ‘You spend too much of your life working not to love what you do.’”

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After graduating at the top of her class at CIA’s culinary program, Megan’s love of baking drove her to its pastry school in the Napa Valley. With two degrees in hand, she returned to the family business with the design for an upscale scratch bakery. By the time she turned 21, the bakery was built and she had hired and trained a staff of 10.

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Today, she runs the show as Palmer’s Managing Director. In 2020, she was named one of the top women in the grocery business, nationwide,

by Progressive Grocer magazine, the industry standard bearer. “She’s HISTORY a real dynamo, this girl,” said her Uncle Al, who Megan points to as another of her supporters through the years.

Who’s next in the Palmer’s line is unclear, but as it happens, Megan has two young daughters, aged seven and four who, like their mother and grandmother and generations before them, will grow up in the store. Her daughters love to join her in the store before the holidays to make their Great Aunt Clara’s fruit cake, a long-beloved Palmer’s tradition. The girls will be encouraged to try new things and see what they love. As their Grandmother Cindy says, “Dream big and follow your passions! You never know where your ideas may lead you.” palmersdarien.com 264 Heights Road, Darien CT

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The combination of encouragement, raw talent, and a sharp mind eventually launched this 5th generation Palmer to the top of the industry. She established and grew the bakery, then moved into the kitchen where she installed her own recipes, retrained the staff, completely transformed the prepared foods division, and created a massive catering operation.

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Cindy had no doubt her daughter, “the ultimate overachiever,” was going to be a star, and as he had been for his daughter, Rocky, too, was a champion for his granddaughter. “Poppy loved helping out in the bakery. The first few weeks after we opened were crazy.

Even though he was going through chemo at the time, he would spend hours helping me. All of a sudden he would disappear and we would find him sleeping at his desk. His support in those early days really meant a lot.”

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EST. 1921

contents JULY/AUG 2021 vol. 21 | issue 4

features

50

TURNING THE TIDE Rachel Precious wants to shuck the oysters at your next party by el i z a beth hol e

58

BEST OF THE GOLD COAST 2021 You voted and we celebrate the best of the best in our towns.

departments 10 EDITOR’S LETTER 13 STATUS REPORT

BUZZ Meet Babs, the TikTok grandma who has a hack for that; Lyfebulb could change your life SHOP Grab these before you hit the beach GO Iceland calling DO Get Joy wants to help your pup stay healthy EAT Make a date for L’Ostal; Three fresh and healthy spots in Darien 42 MONEY MATTERS 95 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 88 POSTSCRIPT COVER PHOTO BY ANDREA CARSON

Shrimp tacos from Rowayton Seafood, a Best of the Gold Coast winner.

Plus

EDUCATION GUIDE Special pull-out section!

Experts weigh in on the bright future of education.

NEW CANAAN • DARIEN & ROWAYTON MAY/JUNE 2021, VOL. 21, NO. 4. 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. newcanaandarienmag.com

4

MORGAN IONE YEAGER

58

THE BEST ORTHOPEDICS

BY FAR IS RIGHT HERE. Hospital for Special Surgery and Stamford Health have teamed up to bring world-class orthopedic care closer to you.

Our team of experts remains dedicated to making safe, responsible musculoskeletal care available – wherever you are.

To learn more about our in-person and virtual appointment options, visit HSS.edu/StamfordHealth

HSS Stamford, 1 Blachley Rd, Stamford, CT 06902 Most major insurance plans accepted. New patients welcome.

digital content & MORE

WE ALL WIN! Find a complete directory of this year’s winners online. Head to bestofgoldcoastct.com to review the top vote-getters on the go.

CELEBRATING THE SCENE STEALERS

SHARE THE NEWS! Did your business win a Best Of for 2021? Get the word out!

Head to our Winners Circle for resources to help you share the good news and attract new fans. Go to: bestofgoldcoastct.com/winnerscircle.

JUMP ONLINE

ENJOY OUR ARTICLES AND POSTS ON INSIGHTFUL LOCALS WHO HELP US ALL LIVE BETTER

Visit our directories for resources

PLUS! LIGHT A FIRE

Thank those who volunteer and give back to the community every day by nominating them for this award!

Do it online by July 9 ilovefc.com/lightafire

FOLLOW US ON:

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PHOTOGRAPHY: THE VILLAGE, BRIDGE, AND SUNDANCE STORE BY DIANE SEMBROT • SMARTPHONE ©IEVGEN SKRYPKO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

NEWCANAANDARIENMAG.com

july/aug 2021

VOLUME 21

ISSUE 4

JULY/AUGUST 2021

editorial

sales + marketing Gina Fusco

editorial director Cristin Marandino editor Julee Kaplan

publisher

style director Megan Gagnon

gina.fusco@moffly.com

advisory editor Donna Moffly

Jonathan W. Moffly art senior art director Venera Alexandrova senior art director/status report Garvin Burke production director Tim Carr design assistant Taylor Stroili

publisher, athome, greenwich, fairfield living

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

gabriella.mays@moffly.com contributors editors

Karen Kelly-Micka

Elizabeth Hole - editor, custom publishing Diane Sembrot - editor, fairfield living; westport; stamford

publisher, stamford

karen.kelly@moffly.com

Amy Vischio - athome creative director-at-large

Rick Johnson account executive

writers

rick.johnson@moffly.com

Liz Barron, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Kim-Marie Evans, Malia McKinnon Frame, Mary Kate Hogan, Emily Liebert, Jill Johnson Mann

Hilary Hotchkiss acount executive

hilary.hotchkiss@moffly.com

copy editors

Kathleen Godbold

Terry Christofferson, Kathy Satterfield

partnership and big picture manager

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

kathleen.godbold@moffly.com Rachel Shorten events director

rachel.shorten@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

Lemuel Bandala sales assistant

lemuel.bandala@moffly.com 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. ©2021 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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©2021 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Franchises independently owned and operated. CT HIC #0657205.

Photos: Closet - Bethany Nauert; Portrait - Lily Glass Walk-in closet custom designed

by California Closets

When you organize your home, everything finds its place in the story of your life.

And every space we custom design with you makes room for what will happen next.

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editor’s letter

SCAN TO EXPLORE

HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP

THE BEST IS RIGHT HERE

I

n this year’s tally of our Best of the Gold Coast winners, we received more than 121,000 votes. Wow. That is impressive.

And it just shows us how much passion you all have for our local businesses. And, as you know, they need our support more than ever before.

In addition to celebrating our winners, we are also psyched for this return to normalcy.

After more than a year of living through sicknesses, heartaches and quarantines, we are out and about again: eating at restaurants, shopping, getting manicures and blow outs, gathering with friends and family, traveling.

While we aren’t at 100 percent just yet, we are in much better shape than we were last summer. And for that, we are so thankful.

And so, we celebrate. You’ll see some familiar faces in this year’s list (page 58) and some newbies, too. We are pretty sure there will be some places you’ll want to cross town boarders to try. But also, when you’re looking for a new dinner spot, make sure to consider L’Ostal in Darien. Our reviewer, Mary Kate

newcanaandarienmag.com

10

Hogan, tried it, loved it and wrote all about it (page 32). We’re pretty sure it’s worthy of being on our Best Of list in 2022. Also, if you have a summer party planned, read all about Rachel Precious of Precious Oysters (page 50). You can hire her team to do a full-on oyster set up and they will shuck-to-order for you and your party goers. We put her face on our cover for many reasons and we are pretty sure that your guests will be just as impressed with her as we are. Not only is Precious smart and savvy, but she is a big advocate for ocean conservation, something we can get behind.

So, sit back, relax and dig into our summer issue. This was a fun one to put together.

Cheers!

julee.kaplan@moffly.com

PHOTO BY KYLE NORTON

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @NCDMAG

JULY/AUG 2021 / JULEE KAPLAN

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buzz STATUS REPORT

by liz barron

por trait by andrea carson

HI, IT’S BABS! THE TIKTOK GRANDMA

HAS A HACK FOR THAT

Barbara “Babs” Costello’s genius tips and life hacks have made the lives of her followers easier than ever.

JULY/AUGUST 2021 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

13

buzz

W

hen Barbara “Babs” Costello’s daughter, Liz Ariola (aka: local Mrs. Nipple, local mom

influencer) first encouraged her to try recording a TikTok video, the charastatic mother of four and grandmother of eight never could have imagined where it would land her. Seemingly overnight, Babs became “the famous TikTok grandma.” No stranger to social media herself, Liz thought that introducing Babs might be a fun way to switch things up and lift the spirits of her followers while living through the pandemic. After all, who wouldn’t want to watch the instantly loveable, bubbly and warm 72-year-old Babs?

Almost all of Babs videos start off with her casual and endearing signature greeting: “Hi, it’s Babs!” followed up with quick cooking tutorials, kitchen must-haves, hosting hacks and life advice she’s gained over the years. The result was the launch of “Brunch with Babs,” and now with a massive number of social media followers, it’s clear that Babs truly is the internet grandma that everyone wants as their own.

Upon realizing how many people were watching her videos, Costello remembers thinking, “oh people are following me isn’t that lovely.” But it quickly became apparent that people were doing a lot more than just watching.

“Followers would write the most endearing and heartwarming comments. They would say things like ‘Watching you makes me feel like I’m connected to my family again,” says Costello. Connection in a time of mass disconnection felt so meaningful that Babs (and Liz) decided to keep going and as one of her more than 370,000 followers, we can confidently say that we are all so happy that she did. We sat down with Babs and Liz in New Canaan to get the inside scoop and ask some of the questions that we’ve all been wondering about.

Whose idea was Brunch with Babs?

Babs: Liz’s Have you always enjoyed cooking and being in the kitchen?

Babs: Growing up Italian and Lebanese, food was almost sacrosant, it was part of the gene pool and I’ve always enjoyed being in the kitchen and eating good food.

Did it come naturally to you or was it something you had to work at?

Babs: I certainly cooked a lot when my kids were little, there was no Uber Eats, it was a very different time. One of their favorites was always “breakfast for dinner.” We’d sit around the table and eat together, it was part of our family culture and a really good thing.

What was it like being on the Drew Barrymore show? Were you nervous?

Babs: I’ve always been good at being “on.” Years ago, I started a preschool in Ridgefield called The Growing Tree, and when you’re working with young children all day you need to always be on. At one point on the show as we were chatting, it just felt very casual and I actually assumed that they had stopped filming and gone to a commercial break. I was very at ease and animated and just completely being myself.

I didn’t realize until later that they had never stopped filming.

What was it like growing up with Babs as a mother?

Liz: She’s a natural homemaker, she is exactly what you think of when you imagine a warm and loving mother/grandmother. She was always so hospitable when we were growing up, even if someone stopped by with no notice, she’d be there with open arms welcoming them in and cooking a huge meal. She was also always fun and adventurous, she planned great family trips where we’d all get to see the “teacher” in her come out when she wanted to show us all of the sites wherever we were. My mom has always been passionate about life and living, two qualities that are contagious and always make people just gravitate toward her.

How would you describe Babs in less than one sentence?

Liz: Joie de vivre, the French phrase, “exuberant enjoyment of life.”

What was it like growing up with Liz as a daughter?

Babs: Liz is my youngest and was deeply driven from a young age. When she was little she would newcanaandarienmag.com

14

Liz Ariola with Babs in their Summersalt campaign.

talk about soccer and dogs, her two passions at the time, to everyone. In fact, we ended up getting a dog because she was so determined to have one. She has always been so creative and talented with making her visions come to life and she never does things halfway. She’s just so loving and incredibly supportive, she’s my biggest fan.

Congratulations on being a new face for Summersalt swimwear. At 72, did you ever think you’d be part of your first swimwear campaign?

Babs: No! I never thought I’d do anything like that, posing for a bathing suit company wasn’t something I had ever thought to include on my bucket list. The initial connection came through Liz, and when they asked me to do it too, I said ok. It is such an important message for women to know that no matter what age you are, you can have fun, enjoy life and enjoy who you are.

At the photoshoot, before they started, they asked all of us what our “superpower” was and I said “my energy.”

What’s the easiest thing to make that looks impressive when you’re hosting?

Babs: Steak. You can just heat up a cast iron skillet until it’s super hot, throw on a steak for a few minutes on each side, add a dab of butter and in less than 10 minutes you have a delicious meal. Roasted chicken is also easy. You can stuff a whole chicken with cut lemon, garlic, salt and pepper, throw it in the oven and in about an hour you’ll have a beautiful chicken. Plus you can clean the house and get ready for your guests to arrive while it’s cooking.

What has been the best part of all of this?

Babs: Connection. I’ve heard from old friends and students that I taught years and years ago.

I’ve heard from followers from near and far. It’s been such a fun thing to share with my family and friends.

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buzz

LIFE LINE

Karin Hehenberger with her daughter in New York

T

o say that Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD, Westport resident, founder and CEO of Lyfebulb, has had an inspiring journey with both her health and in her career, would be an understatement. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at sixteen, Hehenberger began a lifelong battle to better her own health. For the next two decades she dealt with numerous complications that ranged from vision problems to organ failure. By the time she was thirty-four, she had undergone both a kidney and a pancreas transplant, within only nine months of each other. Over the course of her own recovery, she connected with others that had also received organ transplants, and it was the first time that she’d ever experienced support from people that truly understood the extent of her physical struggles.

As Hehenberger started to reflect on what she had been through—having been given not only a second, but also a third chance

LYFEBULB CONNECTS CHRONICALLY ILL PATIENTS WITH A COMMUNITY AND HEATHCARE PARTNERS THAT CAN HELP by liz barron

at life—she realized that she wanted to do something deeply meaningful. Having spent the first part of her career split between Wall Street and the pharmaceutical industry, Hehenberger knew that it was time for a shift, and in 2014 her vision came to fruition.

“The feeling of being alone and thinking that you are the only one who is suffering can make you feel very isolated and different,” Hehenberger says. “It can leave you feeling ‘less than’ when you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic disease.”

Her dream was to create a community platform that could help bridge the gap between patients and the healthcare industry.

Her ideas came to life when her firm was launched with the mission to make the lives of those managing chronic health problems easier. Lyfebulb does this by partnering with pharmaceutical companies, health plans and others whose goal is to find solutions for patients dealing with chronic illnesses. Their patient community consists of ambassadors and entrepreneurs. Members of both groups consist of individuals who are either living with or close to someone affected by a particular illness. The ambassadors connect with the patient community, and the entrepreneurs develop products to help improve patient’s lives based on their own experiences.

Through her own journey, Hehenberger knew that working directly with patients and care partners could generate insights, help come up with new and innovative solutions, and potentially bring new products to market that could drastically improve the quality of life for patients. Lyfebulb uses a process that they refer to as “journey mapping” to understand specific “pain points” among patients. This allows the company to identify some of the biggest challenges for those living with chronic conditions. It also gives patients

newcanaandarienmag.com

16

“Thinking that you are the only one who is suffering can make you feel very isolated and different.”

— K A R I N H E H E N B E R G E R , LY F E B U L B

the opportunity to connect with others that understand what they are going through as well as the chance to interact with industry innovators so that more products can be developed to target and ease some of their biggest struggles.

“When you begin to share, other people will share back, and it is comforting to feel connected and be reminded that no one is perfect,” says Hehenberger. “The most valuable measure of real success for a patient is for them to find a way to feel valuable and empowered. Success doesn’t necessarily mean that they can be “cured,” but it does mean that their daily lives can be improved. And when they are given the opportunity to connect, that starts to happen.”

Lyfebulb works with patients dealing with various health struggles including those associated with diabetes, cancer, substance abuse, transplantation, migraine and IBS. For more information and to join the community, head to its website at lyfebulb .com.

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IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

his is it: the year to upgrade all your summer gear and make the most of your well-earned time in the sun. Because while the perfect beach day is possible, you’ll need a strategic setup to achieve full relaxation mode. Make sure to include a new suit for yourself, some sandals that’ll make you smile every time you slide them on, and a chic bag to carry them all to your favorite spot in the sand.

TAKE THE PLUNGE French brand ERES manages to make swimwear elegant. We love the thoughtful design of this suit: wide straps balance a plunging neckline and high tech materials ensure a flattering fit for all body types. It could even double as a bodysuit to wear with shorts or linen pants. Prestige Sophisticated one piece by ERES; $535. Soleil Toile, New Canaan; soleiltoile.com

NO SWEAT Supergoop! aims to get SPF into your daily beauty routine by offering a range of products for all skin types. This non-aersol mist works in and out of the water. Play antioxidant mist

by Supergoop!; starting at $21. Bluemercury, Darien; bluemercury.com

SIP & SEA Roadie cups are cute, but these floating wine glasses will take your rosé happy hour to the next level. Made with acrylic, they’ll stand upright, planted in sand or grass (even snow!) and even more fun, they’ll float in the pool or alongside you in the lake. No spills, no shattering, no plastic cups littered on the beach. Get a variety of the eight available coastal colors and no one will forget which drink is theirs.

Original floating wine glass by The Beach Glass; $12 each. Chou Chou, Rowayton; shopchouchou.com

TOP THIS SPF is a good start, but packing a hat adds one more level of UV protection for your day at Weed Beach. Luckily, this one will shade your face and with its frayed edges, add some style to sunny days. Woven straw fedora by Vineyard Vines; $98. New Canaan; vineyardvines.com

PERFECT PAIR Trade your old flip flops for footwear you can sport on and off the sand. This orange shade, called Vitamin C, injects a vibrant splash of citrus into any summer ensemble. Slide sandal by Freedom Moses; $45. Darien Sport Shop; dariensport.com

IN THE BAG Mercado bags are crafted by artisans in Oaxaca, Mexico with recyclable vinyl, a waterproof material ideal for battling beach elements. But it’s the diamond pattern in deep blue and bright white that will have you grabbing for it all season long. Rombo bag by Mercado; $80. Morley, Darien; shopmorley.coAm JULY/AUGUST 2021 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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go Ice, Ice, Baby WHY IS AN UNDERPOPULATED ISLAND MAROONED NEAR THE TOP OF THE GLOBE

ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS? WE FOUND OUT by kim-marie evans

I

ICELAND MIDNIGHT SUN PHOTOGPRAHY

celand is hot again. (Pun intended.) The island nation shot to fame as a tourist destination, thanks to Icelandair’s cleverly marketed “Stopover” program dating back to the ’60s. Iceland lured us in with a quick, free taste of its beauty. It worked, and we’re in love.

The campaign allows travelers to book a stopover in the country on the way to, or from, major European cities for a simple transfer booking fee. Currently, you can stay in the land of fire and ice for one to seven days with no additional airfare. As international curiosity has grown about the small, mysterious Nordic land, the program has gained in popularity. Iceland’s isolation had long made it an expensive country to visit, but the airline weathered the economic crash of 2008 by positioning the country as an affordable European destination. It is now on many a traveler’s bucket list. It should be on yours, too.

Iceland recently reopened to tourists post-Covid. Unless you’re just popping in for a soak in the Blue Lagoon, you’ll want to stay for at least five days to experience some of what this majestic land has to offer.

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FIRE

If there was ever a time to visit Iceland, it is now. The still-erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano is a once-ina-lifetime experience. The eruption occurred on March 19, 2021, and experts expect it to continue for months and possibly years.

Iceland is a country constantly being recreated by volcanic eruptions. Unlike the 2010 eruption that snarled air traffic for weeks and the destructive 1973 eruption, this recent seismic event feels almost planned by the gods to allow humans to brush up against the divine. The glowing orange rivers of lava are a short drive from Reykjavik, followed by a relatively easy hike.

Ryan Connolly of Hidden Iceland has been leading private volcano tours for the last several months. The first question, of course, is: “Is it safe to hike an active volcano?” And though no one can predict Mother Nature, the eruption is described as effusive—a slow release of lava

without the destruction. Another big concern is gas emissions. The team is continuously monitoring levels and has never had to cancel a trip. Guests are accompanied by a geologist or volcanologist, who share the history of the region.

Every tour is customized. You can reach Ryan at hiddeniceland.is.

For another ultimate volcano experience, book a tour that will lower you into the crater of a formerly active volcano. Iceland is the only place in the world where a tour like this exists, and it’s only accessible from May to October. Thríhnúkagígur volcano last erupted over 4,000 years ago, and there are no indications of it erupting again in the near future.

A setting like this is rare, because the volcano did not collapse after its eruption. Though it’s only thirty minutes from Reykjavik, the hike can be rugged. For those who would rather not traverse lava fields covered in moss, you can arrive by helicopter. The descent into the earth leaves some visitors describing it as a “strangely

Falljökull glacier

emotional experience.”

The trip of being slowly lowered 700 feet in an open basket is around $360 per person and includes all the safety gear. Bring nerves of steel and a warm jacket. insidethevolcano.com

ICE

About 11 percent of Iceland is covered in glaciers—there are 269 of them scattered across the country. Summer is the best time to head out on the ice, because the temperatures are much more bearable. Temps hover around 50 degrees and never climb above 80 (except for once in 1939). You can four-wheel, snowmobile or hike most of the glaciers. The two most popular glaciers to explore are Vatnajökull (the largest ice cap in all of Europe) and Langjökull (second largest in Iceland).

Of the two, Langjökull, Long Glacier, is more popular simply because it’s more accessible and closer to Reykjavik. Visitors can

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spend the day snowmobiling the 3,500-year-old ice cap and even descend into an otherworldly ice tunnel beneath its frozen surface.

Yes, even in summer. In 2015 the team from Into the Glacier, a private tour company, undertook the herculean task of digging the largest manufactured ice tunnel in the world. Now you can descend into the depths of a glacier yearround. You can even get married in the ice chapel (we’ll refrain from the obvious cold feet joke).

Reaching the tunnel entrance at the top of the glacier is a challenge, so the company repurposed a former NATO missile launcher (designed for traversing heavy snow and rock, not launching tourists) to transport guests up the steep and snowy terrain. Inside the approximately half-mile-long tunnel, it’s a constant 32 degrees.

You pack the hiking boots, they’ll provide the crampons. intotheglacier.is

VOLCANO COURTESY VISIT ICELAND; GLACIER BY AMY ROBINSON FOR HIDDEN ICELAND

Volcanic eruption at Geldingadalir

FUN FACT Iceland is one of the last places on Earth to be settled by humans. Vikings from Norway discovered the land by accident 1,100 years ago.

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DON’T FORGET THE WATER Sky Lagoon is a brand-new oceanfront geothermal lagoon that just opened this spring.

Perched above the ocean, this new hotspot is a manmade lagoon with an infinity edge blurring the line between the pool and the ocean below. The lagoon offers a seven-step spa experience called The Ritual, which combines warm and cold water, warm steam, dry heat and fresh air. It’s also home

to the Lagoon Bar, located in the side of a cave, the Sky Café and the Smakk Bar. Sky Lagoon is a short drive from Reykjavik. Book your visit ahead of time. Children under twelve aren’t permitted. The cost for the luxury experience (the SkyPass) is $108 per adult. skylagoon.com.

If you are driving the Ring Road, stop at the relatively new Vök Baths on the eastern side of the island. These floating geothermal baths are pools suspended over the surface of the lake. The word

Vök originated in 1963, when locals discovered the lake’s geothermal activity. Confused as to why specific spots in the lake would remain unfrozen in cold temperatures, they named the unexplainable situation “Vök” meaning “melted ice holes.”

Additionally, there are two on-shore hot pools, an outdoor pool bar, as well as a steam bath and cold tunnel equipped with a mist shower. vokbaths.is

Iceland is not a large country, it’s roughly the size of Kentucky. Here are two worthwhile drives.

The Golden Circle is a 140-mile scenic route in the southwestern section of the country. The route will take you to Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area and the Gullfoss waterfall. You could do the whole circle in as little as five hours, with stops.

The Ring Road (Highway 1) is an 800-mile loop that encircles the entire island. This road is completely paved except for a few miles and will get you into the raw natural beauty that Iceland is famous for. newcanaandarienmag.com greenwichmag.com

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No.1

Hotel Borg Stay in the center of Reykjavik at the Hotel Borg. Originally built in 1930 by an Olympic athlete, the hotel’s ninety-nine rooms have been restored to their original Art Deco style. Prices this summer start at $400 per night. keahotel.is

Ion Adventure Hotel Adjacent to Thingvellir National Park and less than an hour from Reykjavik, the Ion Adventure Hotel is one of the few true luxury hotels outside of Iceland’s capital. The former barracks for power plant workers was transformed into a concrete-and-glass Nordic-modern showpiece. Rates start around $450 per night for a standard room, $1,000 per night for a thermal junior suite. ioniceland.is

The Secret Suite at the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon

No.3

Hotel Ranga Hotel Ranga on the southern coast is part luxury, part country lodge. It straddles a river and features rooms themed after the seven continents, and there’s an observatory for stargazing. Private helicopter tours of the glaciers take off from the back garden.

Rates this summer start at $475 per night. hotelranga.is

No.4

Siglo Hotel This charming hotel is in the far north of the country in the fishing village of Siglufjörður. Rooms start at as little as $250 per night in the summer, but the views are priceless. Watch the midnight sun rebound off the horizon from the hotel’s waterfront pool or tee off on the nine-hole course situated between mountains. siglohotel.is

specialty, hakarl. This dish of fermented (rotten) shark meat is best enjoyed by only the bravest diners. Fair warning, even Anthony Bourdain couldn’t handle it. loki.is

The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon for the gourmet food, floor to ceiling windows with stunning views and the exhaustive wine cellar. Guests can visit the cellar that was carved into a cavern of lava that dates back to 1226. bluelagoon.com

No.2

Dill The first Icelandic restaurant to earn a Michelin star is run by Chef Gunnar Gíslason, who is considered a foundational figure in Icelandic cooking and credited with energizing Reykjavik’s food scene. dillrestaurant.is

THE RETREAT AT THE BLUE LAGOON The Blue Lagoon is no secret, but the private suite at the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon is. Tucked into the side of the world-famous hotel and spa, the secret suite isn’t listed on the rate sheet or advertised— you’ll need to request it.

Many assume that the lagoon is

No.3

Moss Restaurant Book a table at Moss Restaurant at

WHERE TO EAT

a natural wonder, but it’s actually a serendipitous accident. When drilling at the nearby geothermal plant began in the 1980s, it assumed the wastewater would filter back into the lava and disappear. Instead, the warm, mineral-rich waters accumulated, and locals discovered its therapeutic properties. The water is continuously renewed by high-powered pumps and, most important, is always warm.

Regular summer room rates start $1,600. Or opt for the Fire and Ice Getaway for two: A threenight stay with unlimited use of the spa and lagoon, a six-hour visit to the hidden spa in the secret suite, in-water and indoor massages, a three-course dinner at the Spa Restaurant, a fourcourse dinner at Lava Restaurant and a seven course tasting menu at Moss Restaurant. You’ll also get a one-hour helicopter tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula and the currently erupting volcano and a two-hour private ATV tour of the local landscape. Daily breakfast and luxury airport transfers are included in the $11,000 price. bluelagoon.com G

INSIDER TIP Grab a world-famous Icelandic hot dog anywhere in the country. What makes the hot dogs “worldfamous”? They’re made mostly from organic, free-range, grass-fed, hormone-free Icelandic lamb, pork and beef.

No.1

Café Loki This cozy second floor café in a charming home overlooking the church in the center of Reykjavik offers comfort food and some of the most authentic Icelandic cuisine. It also serves the local newcanaandarienmag.com

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HOTODG STAND COURTESY OF WWW.BBP.IS/; SECRET SUITE AT THE BLUE LAGOON,GIORGIO POSSENTI

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do

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he said he even eats it himself.

“It’s a little bland for humans, but this is the healthiest food you—or anyone—can consume,” Arrix explained while giving us a tour of his immaculate manufacturing facility and office space in SoNo. “I know where every single ingredient comes from and it’s the best quality you can get.”

Now branded as Get Joy, fresh dog foods are made with meats (beef, chicken, turkey and now lamb) not ridden with antibiotics, steroids or growth hormones and combined with high vitamin veggies like broccoli, carrots and cauliflower. They also add in brown rice and nutrient boosters like turmeric, fish oil and flax seeds for omega-3s, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories for immune health and proper digestion.

Before landing the space in SoNo, Arrix was literally making the meals out of his own home kitchen in Darien. The new space, which Arrix recently took over from

DOG DAYS

GET JOY FOODS WANTS YOUR

PUP TO LIVE HIS BEST LIFE

Tom Arrix with Cooper (right) and his brother Eddie (left)

W

hen Tom Arrix’s beloved Golden Retriever, Cooper, was diagnosed with cancer a few years back, he knew he had to do something drastic.

Treatments for Cooper at Stamford’s Cornell Veterinary Specialists and extensive research on Arrix’s part eventually led him to Dr. Kendra Pope, a veterinary integrative oncologist in Red Bank, New Jersey, who helped Arrix understand the importance of

nutrition and the healing powers that healthy food can bring. Always on top of his own proper health and nutrition goals, Dr. Pope taught him, he said, to feed his dogs how he would feed himself. The Darien father of four and former vice president of global marketing at Facebook was immediately inspired. In 2018 he officially launched a new business, Joy Food, a human-grade fresh dog food brand that is so delicious and healthy, newcanaandarienmag.com

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“I know where every single ingredient comes from and it’s the best quality you can get.”

— T O M A R R I X , G E T J OY

INSET, CONTRIBUTED

Tom Arrix in his SoNo headquarters.

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FRESH MEALS Turkey, chicken and beef meals are cooked locally in Get Joy’s SoNo commercial kitchen with vegetables like broccoli and carrots, brown rice and nutrient dense seeds and spices.

The company is also testing a lamb recipe which should be available for purchase soon.

Fresh foods are perfectly portioned for your dog.

FRESH FREEZE DRIED FOOD + TREATS Newest on the menu is Get Joy's freeze-dried food, made with high quality grass-fed beef. Freeze-dried treats are made with nutrient-dense organ meats and provide targeted needs for dogs' strength, endurance and flexibility.

newcanaandarienmag.com

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Barteca Restaurant Group, allows for much more business growth and houses a large commercial kitchen where recipes are mixed, cooked, stored and packed for shipping. Food is prepared in batches twice a week and sent to customers frozen in portioned packs. For locals in Fairfield County, food is delivered weekly in reusable insulated totes.

With a large warehouse space ready for new product launches, Arrix has already expanded Get Joy’s product base to include freeze dried treats and antler and bully chews.

His newest launch is freeze-dried food, which Arrix created to be just as nutritious as the fresh food but offers the ease and convivence of shelf stability.

“We gave a lot of thought to how people live and realize that those living in more urban environments may not have the large amount of freezer space that people out here are more likely to have,” Arrix explained. The fresh freeze-dried food is made with grass fed beef and can be stored just as you would kibble, he says, but without the lugging of heavy bags and much better nutrition packed into each bag.

All foods and treats can be ordered online at getjoyfood.com. Fresh food prices vary depending on the weight of your pup, but everything can be ordered at a lower price with a subscription. Moving through summer, Get Joy is available at Cisco Brewers on Nantucket so you can bring your dog to the brewery for some “brews and chews.”

Also, Arrix is working with Mike’s Organic in Stamford and selling select products at the shop and online at mikesorganicdelivery.com.

As for Cooper, he did eventually lose his cancer battle and passed on. But Arrix credits his dog’s switch to healthy eating as a reason why and how they managed to get 20 more months of happy living out of him.

“This food helped Cooper live as well as he could to the end,” he explains. “He provided us years of unconditional love and I feel like with the help of this food, we gave that to him too.”

Looking ahead, Arrix says he plans to expand the Get Joy business beyond pet food and hopes to launch products that fit into humans’ everyday healthy lifestyle.

GRACIOUS LIVING IN A WELCOMING COMMUNITY

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eat General manager Joe Cracco with chef Jared Sippel

b y m a ry k at e ho g a n • phot o g r a ph s b y k e n g o odm a n

LE BELLE VIE SOUTH-OF-FRANCE FLAVORS MEET COASTAL CONNECTICUT AT L’OSTAL IN DARIEN

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M

anhattan’s loss is Fairfield County’s gain with the arrival of Chef Jared Sippel and L’Ostal to town. This new Provencal restaurant, rooted in Southern French tradition, is set in the space that long-time Darien residents will remember as the old Backstreets, tucked behind the Post Road. L’Ostal is certainly a step up from its predecessors, fine dining but in a relaxed atmosphere with a well-edited menu. Chef Jared spent decades honing his craft at top kitchens in the United States and Europe.

In 2016 he opened his own restaurant in the Flatiron District, Trattoria Italienne, serving regional cuisines of Northern Italy and Southern France. When he was forced to close due to the pandemic, he and his family decamped to Darien and found the perfect spot to start fresh.

The word ‘ostal’ in old Occitan language refers to house and warm hospitality, a welcoming into the home. And this space is decidedly more welcoming following a significant refresh. It’s a much lighter, brighter dining room with bleached wood floors, banquette seating lining the back wall and an open bar with white subway-tile backsplash that anchors the center of the space. Simple wood tables are topped with copper chargers.

Light fixtures hang from thick rope, a subtle nod to nautical. There’s an illustrated map of France on the wall. Outside, the patio has almost much seating as the inside and looks revived too, with stone flooring, tall heaters, a trellis and pretty plantings.

All of this creates a lovely setting for savoring Chef Jared’s food, which showcases different cuisines of Southern France and the surrounding regions. His menu is pared down, reflecting the moment: We want excellent food while gathering with friends, less time pondering what to order and more time enjoying it all. Daily specials and seasonal changes ensure variety for those who will eat here frequently. The hospitality was evident from the moment we sat down for a recent weeknight dinner at 8 p.m. with an almost-full dining room and patio. There’s a nice selection of “beginnings,” snacks and nibbles such as boquerones, oeufs (deviled eggs)

Above: Ingrid's Lobster en Cocotte with spring vegetables. Below: Brune Landaise chicken for two.

JULY/AUGUST 2021 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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eat and marinated olives, and our server promptly brought us the spiced nuts, cashews fragrant from a curried coating. Moments later the sommelier and general manager Joe Cracco, who has an impressive background including time as sommelier at the three-Michelin-starred Le Bernadin, stopped by to talk wine. He was present throughout the meal and guided us to a dry but full-bodied rose: Chauteau Pradeaux from the Bandol region, which paired beautifully with the dishes we shared.

One of the first plates we sampled was also the most sublime, tender escargot that’s an ideal foil for a garlicky parsley-andbutter sauce. The creamy, decadent foie gras tourchon is heavenly, balanced by port-soaked figs and served with lightly charred toasts.

We also enjoyed one of the specials, a buttery, seductive burrata with crusty bread.

At our server’s recommendation, we tried two of the pasta courses, available as half or full portions. The potato gnocci are divine little cloud-like dumplings paired with black-pepper sausage in a pool of lush parmigiana fonduto flecked with herbs. The hand-cut tagliatelle, ribbons of pasta with mushrooms and asparagus, is lightly sauced and topped with generous shavings of grand Padano cheese. Both are amazing, a mustorder. Spring flavors and colors graced our main courses, the ocean trout entrée and the Provencal vegetables. That tender trout is covered in a bright salsa verde and served with delicious white asparagus. A work of art, the Provencal vegetables include white and green asparagus, artichokes, fava beans and purple radishes, very lightly seasoned with black truffle and vinegar, edible flowers decorating the plate. These are some of most beautiful vegetables we’ve tasted in a long time.

Could dessert live up to the rest? When it’s a lovely olive oil cake with strawberries and homemade gelato, the answer is yes. The sommelier brought over a bottle of aged Madeira and poured us each a small glass to try, on the house. Warming and sweet, the wine (and the gesture) felt true to the restaurant’s name. For this night on the town, we were pampered yet made to feel right at home.

Clockwise from top: Cocktails like the Le Mistral and No Cannes Deux compliment the food menu. The Cote de Boeuf a la Basquaise and Oeufs Mayonnaise have become customer favorites. Below: Finishing the meal with this olive oil cake complimented with seasonal fruit and homemade gelato is always a good choice.

L’OSTAL

22 Center Street, Darien; 475-328-9629; restaurantlostal.com

Cuisine Provencal

Hours

Tuesday-Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Reservations encouraged

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EXCEPTIONAL

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eat

Fresh Flavors WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A HEALTHY RESET OR JUST SOME DARN GOOD FOOD, THESE THREE NEW DARIEN SPOTS ARE WORTH A STOP phot o g r a ph s b y ve ne r a a le x a ndrova

I

n their frequent travels between New York, Florida and California, Darien native (DHS class of 2013 and Columbia University alum), Brennan Branca, an athlete and certified personal trainer, and his girlfriend Tara Schreiber, were always looking for great options for refueling after workouts. So, after a move back to Branca’s hometown, the mission

was clear to create a place where you can get organic and truly healthy food that actually tasted good and wasn’t loaded with sugar and preservatives. And, in November, they opened Barvida.

“You shouldn’t have to sacrifice flavor for health,” Branca emphatically believes. Wanting to create a space that brought people together

with that progressive West Coast sensibility of health that doesn’t compromise on taste, Branca says it made sense to open a flagship location in Darien. “Darien did a lot for me growing up and I wanted to give back and cultivate a healthy community here. And my family—my brothers and cousins—are growing up here. I wanted them to be able to benefit from this.”

Barvida offers a wide range of smoothie bowls. newcanaandarienmag.com

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6/3/21 11:46 AM

eat

Brennan Branca and Tara Schreiber owners and founders of Barvida

Barvida’s motto is “It’s better. For you.”

And indeed it is. Everything on the menu is organic and plant based. With an eye towards sustainability, cold-pressed juices are made on-site daily and served in glass bottles. Even their cups and bowls are made from plants, so there is zero use of plastic packaging. Stop in for juices and wellness shots, healthful smoothies, tasty avocado toasts, creative salads, acai and grain bowls or protein-filled energy snacks.

Also, you won’t want to leave without the Keto brownies with cacao ganache. Yum. There’s a full coffee bar, too and a three-stage cleanse program for those looking for the ultimate healthy reset.

“Vida means life,” Branca explains. “I wanted to create a place that you could incorporate into your daily life, where it was possible to go every day, and make it a sustainable habit.” A life bar, if you will.

Peanut butter toast on sourdough with blueberries

The interior of Barvida showcases a chic city vibe with dark painted walls, metal and wood furnishings and a green grassy accent wall with pink neon sign (“Talk less, Drink more @barvidajuicebar”) that has become an Instagram hot spot. The staff is also superfriendly, highly trained and knowledgeable.

Opening during the pandemic took guts, but Branca says the response from the community has been nothing short of amazing. From both long-time Darien residents and recent city transplants alike.

“This isn’t just about being healthy as a trend, it’s a new lifestyle we see people embracing,” Branca says. “We’re trying to retrain people’s palates so Barvida can become something they integrate into their daily lives; an all-encompassing wellness oasis.”

879 Boston Post Road, thebarvida.com newcanaandarienmag.com

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All cold-pressed juices are organic and made fresh in store.

The service here is incredible, as is the care...I’m positively spoiled and who doesn’t love that!

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Electric Mermaid Smoothie and Acai Energy Bowl

PLAYA BOWLS 1029 Boston Post Road, playabowls.com The surfer vibe is lit at Playa Bowls. Started as a singular little pop-up stand six years ago in Belmar, NJ, at the vanguard of the acai bowl concept, it quickly grew in popularity as lines formed around the block in the popular Jersey Shore town. Customers were clearly into the health benefits of acai and took to the

beach to their hands on these tasty treats. The founders—Jersey Shore natives and long-time surfers—had a mission to lead communities in healthy and sustainable living, a concept that has now grown to 104 stores, the latest in Darien.

Architect Steve Dimovski and Financial Commodity Trader Jarrod Jackette, friends from their days coaching their kids’ Little League teams together, opened their first Playa Bowls

in Fairfield in 2018. With many friends in Darien begging them to open one closer, it made sense to bring this healthy lifestyle joint to a community with such a strong emphasis on health and youth sports, and a focus on being fit.

Their expansive menu boasts tons of creative bowl options.

Choose from acai, banana, coconut, green, chia, pitaya and oatmeal, which can be topped with everything from fresh fruit to granola to nut butters and

people looking for a healthy choice, and something that would sustain us and help us stay well.”

With the popularity of this new concept spreading quickly, they opened other locations in Ridgefield and New Canaan (recently taken over

by Greenology), with the same grab and go style. But more and more, they heard from customers from Greenwich to Milford that they were looking for more than just a quick stop. They craved a place they could sit and enjoy a fun night out in the company of friends, with a glass of wine and their favorite vegan dishes.

“There was nothing like this around, so we decided to create a destination cafe restaurant for our customers,” Gino says. This new Darien location will still have Organika’s old standbys, including grab and go and online ordering, but it will also offer a casual dining experience with table service and a liquor license, featuring gluten-free beer and organic wines.

The Nourish Bowl

ORGANIKA CAFÉ 171 Boston Post Road, organikact.com

As vegans looking for meals they could enjoy out on a regular basis, Kathy and Biagio (Gino) Riccio found it difficult to find options, so they opened their first location of

Organika almost five years ago in Southport. This casual, friendly, grab and go concept was certainly unique at the time, and provided good service and organic, plantbased options for those looking for nutritious alternatives in a quick bite. Says Kathy, “We wanted to do something for the community, for

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coconut flakes. They also serve juices and smoothies, giving this Darien location of the national chain more than enough options to satisfy cravings.

With its playful and colorful atmosphere, beachy decor, upbeat music, and a fun mural of a mermaid and octopus that stretches across a large swath of one wall, it’s no surprise that Playa Bowls draws in the younger set.

After school and on weekends you can typically find kids hopping in for their smoothie or pitaya bowl fix.

And, according to Jackette, parents are happy to see their kids choosing Playa Bowls over other local hangouts, where they know they’ll be choosing healthier options.

But what surprised Dimovski and Jackette about Darien, is that their customer base includes just as many adults as kids, a sign they believe, of the town’s focus on wellness.

“We’ve been so pleasantly surprised and touched at how supportive Darien residents are of their downtown,” Jackette says.

“Especially during Covid, the community pulled together to make sure businesses succeed.

That makes for a really unique and special town.”

The Riccios have watched their clientele grow over the years, getting younger and more diverse.

And this new Darien location will be a perfect spot for bringing together friends from all around the area for a night out. “People have been at home for a long time, we want to provide a place they can come and relax, and enjoy a casual dining atmosphere,” Gino explains.

After doing a few ‘vegan night’ tests at Riccio’s Quatropazzi restaurant in Fairfield to rave reviews from patrons, they knew this would be a great concept and that now, when people are really ready to get out, would be the perfect time to do it.

“Food is our number one entertainment in this country,” says Gino, and Organika’s mission is to provide a robust and healthy experience people can really sink their teeth into. The new Darien Organika is scheduled to open this month.

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money matters GRAB A BUCKET

Jim Pratt-Heaney

W

hat a difference a year makes. The stock market freefall in early 2020 had investors teetering on the edge of panic. One year later, the market has nearly doubled, setting and resetting record highs. Combined with reduced spending (no dinners out, no lavish vacations abroad), restored bonuses and perhaps a house sale or two, many investors here in lower Fairfield County have

an unusual quandary: Figuring out what to do now with an extra stash of cash, say $100,000 or so?

Jim Pratt-Heaney, the founding partner at Coastal Bridge Advisors in Westport, has some suggestions.

“It really depends on the person. To some, discretionary means I can take a risk and I don’t care. To others, it means I want to have it two years from now. Very few people can handle things that go up and down 20 percent a day. It starts with finding out everything else they have.”

And to find that out, PrattHeaney turns to buckets.

In the simplest terms, a financial plan contains three buckets. The first represents safety, or what you need on hand to maintain your lifestyle: money for house payments, insurance policies, bill payments and the like, so that “when 2008 or 9/11 happens, there’s enough in there that you don’t need to worry about the market,” he says.

The second bucket holds

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR EXTRA CASH NOW

commodities, stocks, bonds and other investments designed to grow over time, time being the shock absorber for inevitable bumps in the road.

“The last bucket is aspirational,” he says. High-risk, high-reward, less liquid, philanthropic holdings go here— in other words, this is the place for your extra $100K. “If you lost it, you’d be OK,” Pratt-Heaney says, adding this asterisk: “It’s life-changing money. No matter what you do, it takes time to earn $100,000. Maybe you don’t want to treat it as ‘extra.’”

Before fooling around with your new money, be sure to max out retirement accounts, pay off expensive debt and pad your emergency fund. Then you can get creative with your investment repertoire. If you’re risk-tolerant, explore targeted-play ETFs such as a clean energy fund or cryptocurrency exposure. Think about non-traditional lending with a business development company (BDC). These tend to

pay handsome yields, though not without increased risk.

Invest in real estate, either by buying another property of your own or, if you don’t want to be a hands-on landlord, with a REIT or private equity real estate fund.

Hedge your losses. A ’40 ACT fund, for example, earns you about two-thirds of the upside in a positive market, as well as access to private vehicles, and offers downside protection.

Or maybe you’d rather turn a hobby into something more.

Art, wine, muscle cars— intelligent buying and selling might earn you money versus only costing you.

Not all investments generate returns measured in dollars.

Maybe you’d like to invest in yourself—get a personal trainer, a yoga teacher, a fitness pro, a piano teacher. Or buy something that will make you happy in the long-term, whether a motor home, a little bungalow somewhere or a side business.

RECORD HIGHS IN THE MARKET equals “many people making a ton of money. If that $100,000 is in profit, you’re going to pay a tremendous tax bill,” Pratt-Heaney warns. You can avoid paying those taxes—and benefit needy causes —by setting up a donor-advised fund, which is an investment account for the charities of your choice. “It’s an easy way to give, there’s no capital gains tax, and you get a deduction.” Besides helping the needy, this is a great way to get your family interested in investing. “Sharing the wealth is always good, and with a donor-advised fund you could actually end up giving more to the charity. We say, everything you give should be out of a donor-advised fund.”

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2020 - 1 MORE TIME DARIEN'S BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS

TH

BIRTHDAY YEAR!

This Fall Celebrate Darien's History!

Saturday, October 23

HERITAGE DAY

Experience our history through colonial demonstrations, reenactments & games Featuring The Fifth Connecticut Regiment 10:30 — 1:30 Museum of Darien & First Congregational Church of Darien 2:30 — 4:30 The Mather Homestead All events are open to the public.

For information go to www.darienct.gov & click on the 2020 logo at the bottom THANK YOU TO OUR OFFICIAL SPONSORS: PLATINUM BENEFACTOR

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Your Neighborhood Self Storage Partner We invite you to visit our state of the art storage facility, with amenities to meet your every need— thirty different size units, boat,RV, motorcycle parking, commuter parking and conveniently located next to Noroton Heights train stations and I-95. With a professional and friendly management team, we are always ready to exceed your expectations!

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www.darienctchamber.com

Rachel Precious of Precious Oysters caters parties and educates guests on ocean conservation.

by el i z a bet h hol e • photo g raphy by andrea car son • st yling by v ener a alex androva

Turning newcanaandarienmag.com

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the Tide

RACHEL PRECIOUS SHARES HER LOVE OF OYSTERS AND THE ART OF SHUCKING JULY/AUGUST 2021 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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© YADA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

GROWING UP, RACHEL PRECIOUS VOWED TO “NEVER HAVE A DESK JOB” and—so far—she has kept that promise. With the Long Island Sound as her office, the former oyster farmer runs a Norwalk-based company called Precious Oysters, a tide-to-table shucking service for special events. She uses local oysters, serving up an elegant raw bar experience with an eco-minded mission.

When you book her for your event, Precious makes a point to educate and entertain guests about oysters, while she shucks them at cocktail parties, charity events, weddings and town festivals.

“The aim of my business is to spark people’s interest in ocean conservation through the enjoyment of fresh, beautiful oysters,” says Precious. “Because of my background in farming, I do more than just stand behind an ice display and hand out oysters. I can’t help but share my stories and my passion for these amazing creatures.”

Her company promotes sustainable aquaculture by using local oysters, following a “zero-plastic policy” at functions and returning used oyster shells to farmers so they can regenerate oyster beds.

“I believe you should start in your own backyard to make an impact,” says Precious, who gets most of her oysters from Copps Island Oysters in Norwalk, where she used to work. “Much like farm-to-table, what I’m providing is locally grown and harvested; supports the community, is good for the environment and is good for you.”

Precious also gives back by serving as vice chair of the Surfrider

Foundation’s Connecticut chapter. Through legislation, the organization helps protect the ocean and coastlines. Her conservation efforts are in effect at all her parties, too. Says Precious: “I use bamboo, USA-grown plates and napkins, organic lemons and sauces, and even the seaweed I use for decoration is special. I get it myself when I go kayaking.”

Despite the small Connecticut coastline, there’s a wide variety of oysters available. Precious explains that Copps Island Oysters are “hearty and meaty” and get their signature flavor from growing on the floor of the ocean. Mystic Oysters, which she also serves, are higher in saline because they are from “the mouth” of the Long Island Sound.

“Interestingly, all oysters on the East Coast of the U.S. are the same species (Crassostrea virginica), but as with wine, where and how they’re grown will impart different flavor profiles and appearances, thus creating varieties,” says Precious. “Wine has terroir; we have merroir.”

A Westport native now living in Norwalk, Precious graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Wildlife Conservation Biology and a minor in International Environmental Public Policy. Most of her formative years in Fairfield County were spent on the water.

“Rather than going to after-school activities or summer camps,” says Precious, “I would spend my days alone in the mud at low tide, looking for crabs and listening to the iconic green parrots.”

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“All oysters on the East Coast of the U.S. are the same species...but as with wine, where and how they’re grown will impact different flavor profiles.”

—RACHEL PRECIOUS, PRECIOUS OYSTERS

THE COPPS ISLAND OYSTER VS. MYSTIC OYSTER

COPPS From: Norwalk, CT Available: Year-round Flavor: Sweet, Slightly briny, plump and a hint of ivory Shell: Because these oysters live in the wild, each shell and oyster are a unique shape and color

MYSTIC

THE OYSTER SHOOTER 1 oyster in the bottom of a shot glass 1 teaspoon spicy cocktail sauce 1 teaspoon horseradish

From: Noank, CT (at the mouth of the Mystic River) Available: Year-round Flavor: Balance of brine, sweetness and a hint of mineral Shell: Round with a green hue on the outside, white on the inside

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1/2 teaspoon lemon juice 1 dash black pepper 1 shot vodka Layer all ingredients in the glass, drink with one swig and savor the flavors. Delicious.

Precious recommends certain types of crackers and beers to pair with the oysters.

“Every event is different from the last. I know that any day now, I’ll find a pearl.”

—RACHEL PRECIOUS

During college and after graduation, she researched lizards in Honduras, practiced sustainable lobster farming in Nicaragua, tracked humpback wales in Australia, and spent time as a puppeteer traveling around the Outback to teach children about native wildlife. After a two-year stint she calls “unfulfilling” in New York City, Precious moved to South Norwalk in 2016.

“I was working as a wedding planner doing odd jobs on the side, including construction and waitressing, and I wanted to return to working with my hands and the environment, as I had done for so many years,” says Precious. “I found a job listing on Craigslist for a deckhand on an oyster boat in Stamford, and while I had no relevant experience, they hired me.”

For now, Precious is all-hands-on-deck at Precious Oysters, with a busy summer shucking season in full force. Precious and her team of shuckers

offer a variety of party services in order to serve events both large and small. While she says she is willing to work with peoples’ budgets, she does have a minimum of $300 per event, not including the price of oysters. This includes the setup display that Precious brings to “shuck to order” for two hours. Also, she offers both front-of-house and back-ofhouse services based on the type of event you’re throwing.

Precious takes pride in being a female-owned business, and in the future, she wants to start a nonprofit creating women-run ocean farms and oyster cooperatives in developing countries. On a local level, she’s committed to hiring women and growing Precious Oysters. Always on the move, she plans to create a traveling Shuck Truck. Precious jokes that she’s “not capable of sitting still” and loves the variety of her job.

“Every event is different from the last,” she says. “I know that any day now, I’ll find a pearl.”

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It’s Time to Celebrate the Good Guys!

Visit ilovefc.com to nominate those individuals and organizations who have gone beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary in their support of those in need. Honorees will be featured in the November issue and celebrated at a special awards ceremony.

PLEASE VOTE TODAY! Go to ilovefc.com/lightafire VOTING DEADLINE: JULY 9

Nominations being accepted in the following categories: Most Involved in the Arts Most Dedicated Committee Member Outstanding Philanthropist Outstanding Teen Volunteer Best Friend to Children Best Health Advocate Lifetime Achievement Best Friend to Seniors Most Involved Couple Corporate Good Neighbor

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newcanaandarienmag.com

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TIME TO SHINE We all need a reason to celebrate! Here, with the winners of our annual readers’ poll revealed, we applaud the local businesses on making an impression and building a loyal following. A commitment to excellence is never easy (it’s not supposed to be), but this year was especially challenging. Congratulations to the those who give their best every day!

FOOD

SHOP

SERVICES

DRINK

STYLE

TO-DO’S

PG. 60

PG. 70

PG. 78

+

+

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M O F F LY M E D I A

C O N N E C T I C U T • 2021

THE

READERS’ PICKS

2021 WINNERS OF

FOOD & DRINK One of the great joys in life is A DELICIOUS MEAL AND A FEW REFRESHING DRINKS with friends, old and new. Leave it to these pros to create your favorite dishes and cocktails, served with a smile. Our readers reveal their favorite local restaurants, cafés, bars and grab-and-go places. newcanaandarienmag.com

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THE LILA ROSE BY KYLE NORTON

GOLD COAST

THE WINNERS LIST RESTAURANTS Best Service Match 98 Washington St., Norwalk, 203-852-1088; matchsono.com Business Lunch Prime Restaurant 78 Southfield Ave., Stamford, 203-817-0700; restaurantprime.com Creative Menu Tied Winners Taco Daddy 121 Towne St., Stamford, 203-541-5770; tacodaddystamford.com and The Whelk 575 Riverside Ave., Westport, 203-557-0902; thewhelkwestport.com Hotel Restaurant + Outdoor Seating Artisan Southport 275 Old Post Rd., Southport, 203-307-4222; artisansouthport.com New Restaurant The Lila Rose 121 Towne St., Stamford, 203-569-9227; IG @tacodaddyandthelilarose Outdoor Dining Table 104 299 Long Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-388-8898; table104stamford.com

above: Everyone needs a happy place to escape the stress of everyday life.

Here’s one close to home. The Lila Rose delights with pure groovy fun paired with outstanding food and drinks.

THE LILA ROSE // WINNER OF NEW RESTAURANT

Everything’s aglow and there’s a bit of magic—and a whole lot of fun—in the air at The Lila Rose. Put life’s worries aside at this new restaurant, which gets serious about fully enjoying food and drink.

Co-owners John and Morgan Nealon and Chef Mo have created a wonderland, ready for you to dig into angry lobster risotto or other tapas, get serious about your dry-aged New York strip, and sip your cocktail. Impossible not to smile and feel good about life here.

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Pickup/Delivery Option Little Pub 531 East Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-717-1147 | 26 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-1122 | 2133 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-612-4567; see all locations at littlepub.com

M O F F LY M E D I A

GOLD COAST C O N N E C T I C U T • 2021

READERS’ PICKS

1 // BARCELONA RESTAURANT & WINE BAR // WINNER OF BEST TAPAS

We’ll take an order of Blistered Shishito, PEI Mussels, Grilled Quail, Bacon-Wrapped Dates and Spinach and Chickpea Cazuela for the table—because we plan to share. As for washing it down, choose from dozens and dozens of options. If this sounds good to you, head over with friends and enjoy yourself. newcanaandarienmag.com

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above: Boquerones, Patatas Bravas, Jamón and Manchego Croquetas, and Hanger Steak with Truffle Vinaigrette

TOM MCGOVERN

1

M O F F LY M E D I A

READERS’ PICKS Private Dining/Intimate Venue Oak and Almond 544 Main Ave., Norwalk, 203-846-4600; oakandalmond.com

Chinese The Little Kitchen of Westport 423 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-454-5540; littlekitchenwestport.com

Seafood The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood 89 Rowayton Ave., Rowayton, 203-866-4488; rowaytonseafood.com

French Le Fat Poodle 20 Arcadia Rd., Old Greenwich, 203-717-1515; lefatpoodle.com

Special Occasion/Date Night Tavern at GrayBarns 194 Perry Ave., Norwalk, 203-580-1900; tavernatgraybarns.com Steak Washington Prime 141 Washington St., Norwalk, 203-857-1314 washingtonprimect.com Sushi Nordic Fish 1499 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-8400; nordicfishfairfield.com Tapas Barcelona Wine Bar 222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-348-4800 | 515 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-854-5600 | 4180 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-255-0800; see all locations at barcelonawinebar.com

REGIONAL SPECIALTIES American BJ Ryan’s 57 Main St., Norwalk, 203-866-7926; bjryans.com Asian Fusion Mecha Noodle Bar 151 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-801-7577 | 116 Washington St., Norwalk, 203-295-8718 | 1215 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-8222; see all locations at mechanoodlebar.com

Thai Little Thai Kitchen 21 St. Roch Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-2972; 4 West Ave., Darien, 203-662-0038; littlethaikitchen.com

CASUAL FOOD

Greek Kouzina Taverna 223 Main St., Stamford, 203-588-0110; kouzinataverna.com

Bagels Village Bagels 1874 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-319-0299 | 873 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-254-1750; villagebagelsct.com

Indian Coromandel Cuisine of India 68 Broad St., Stamford, 203-964-1010 | 25 Old Kings Hwy. N., Darien, 203-662-1213; see all locations at coromandelcuisine.com

Breakfast The Tasty Yolk 1505 Pequot Ave., Southport, 203-726-6520 | 999 Brookside Dr., Fairfield, 203-526-9745 | 4700 Park Ave., Bridgeport, 203-572-8884 | storefront: 2992 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, 203-545-9311; thetastyyolk.com

Italian Café Silvium 371 Shippan Ave., Stamford, 203-324-1651; cafesilviumct.com

Frozen Yogurt 16 Handles 219 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-817-0707 | 1300 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-9841; see all locations at 16handles.com

Japanese OKO 6 Wilton Rd., Westport, 203-557-8404; okokitchen.com

Hamburgers Flipside Burgers & Bar 1125 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-8233 | 1 Schooner Ln., Milford, 203-283-7282; flipsiderestaurant.com

Mediterranean Layla’s Falafel 936 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-461-8004 | 1535 Post Rd. E., 203-955-1583 | 2088 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-384-0100; laylasfalafel.com

Hot Dogs Super Duper Weenie 306 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-334-3647; superduperweenie.com

Mexican Bodega Taco Bar 980 Post Rd., Darien, 203-655-8500 | 1700 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-9590; bodegatakeout.com

Ice Cream Gofer 522 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-661-9080 | 551 East Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-990-0094 | 551 E. Putnam Ave., Riverside, 203-9900094 | 869 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-504-3105 | 103 Main St., New Canaan, 203-594-1342 | 1020 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-2022661 | 379 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-210-5546; see all locations at gofericecream.com

Spanish Barcelona Wine Bar 222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-348-4800 | 515 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-854-5600 | 4180 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-255-0800; see all locations at barcelonawinebar.com

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GOLD COAST C O N N E C T I C U T • 2021

TRY IT, LOVE IT! Flipside Burgers & Bar If you can’t decide among the many burgers at Flipside, trust us, these two will win you over.

1

BURRATA BURGER When you’re starving, try the 6 oz. sirloin with burrata, arugula, roasted red peppers and pesto mayo on a toasted garlic parmesan bun.

2

WALDORF BURGER Put a twist on a classic, by subbing grilled chicken or turkey for the burger and top with gorgonzola cheese, green apples, candied walnuts and cranberry aioli.

M O F F LY M E D I A

GOLD COAST C O N N E C T I C U T • 2021

READERS’ PICKS

TRY IT, LOVE IT!

1

Tavern at GrayBarns A special occasion doesn’t always mean lobster or steak.

Rethink surf and turf.

1 SEA For full seafood flavor, you can’t miss with the Black Sea Bass with ginger dashi, Chinese broccoli and cipollini onion.

2 LAND Pick the king trumpet mushrooms with spring relish, pine nuts, spring broccoli, and barley or campanelle with morel mushrooms, sherry, pesto and parmesan.

1 // GOFER // WINNER OF BEST ICE CREAM

Some prefer hard ice cream, scooped high on a sugar cone. Others pick the soft variety, swirled to a peak and covered in sprinkles. But everyone can agree on the Gofer Bites, bite-sized, hand-rolled ice cream that is dipped in rich chocolate. newcanaandarienmag.com

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above: Hot carmel sundae with sprinkles, a tower of Oreo and chocolate-chip cookies with vanilla ice cream, a milkshake and raspberry bites

M O F F LY M E D I A

READERS’ PICKS

GOLD COAST C O N N E C T I C U T • 2021

2

2 // OKO WINNER OF BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Is your dinner too pretty to eat? Almost, at OKO. This is fine dining, with equal parts pleasure in cooking prep, presentation and service. This is a treat for all of your senses.

3 // NORDIC FISH WINNER OF BEST SUSHI

Some know this place as a fish and seafood market, but it’s also a serious fresh-made sushi spot (eat in or pick-up). Consider a build-your-own poke bowl or pick a roll, including vegetarian, cooked or raw fish and fancy options (like the Tiger Rainbow Roll with crab, cucumber, shrimp, seaweed and spicy mayo).

4 // TABLE 104 WINNER OF OUTDOOR DINING

On a breezy afternoon or a starlight night, nothing beats dining outside. Table 104 has a cozy patio with padded bench seating, canopy coverings, plenty of privacy with wood panels and flowers and a sweet touch of string lighting.

Relax and enjoy yourself here.

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TABLE 104, CONTRIBUTED; OKO BY MELISSA HOM; NORDIC FISH BY GARVIN BURKE: OPPOSITE PAGE: GOFER BY KYLE NORTON

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1 // MARCIA SELDEN CATERING & EVENTS WINNER OF CATERER + GOURMET TO GO

Whether you’re looking for either a royal-worthy wedding menu or a round-the-firepit gathering with your closest friends, Marcia Selden always hits the mark with food, presentation and vibe.

There is a sense of abundance and joy in every bite.

2 // LITTLE PUB WINNER OF BEER SELECTION + PUB

Understanding what makes a good beer and a good pub work is about that moment that eases the stress of the every day. Little Pub’s welcoming atmosphere comes with both comfort food and ice-cold beer.

3 // ORGANIKA KITCHEN WINNER OF HEALTH/ORGANIC

Juices, smoothies, acai bowls, sandwiches, wraps and more— the wonderful thing about healthful eating is that it’s not only good for you, but also looks and tastes delicious. The proof is in Enjoy summer any of Organika Kitchen’s options. warm breezes at Prime Restaurant waterside location. newcanaandarienmag.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY: MARCIA SELDEN BY JULIE BIDWELL: ORGANIKA KITCHEN FROM INSTAGRAM; LITTLE PUB BY MICHAEL GIACALONE

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READERS’ PICKS Pizza Colony Grill 172 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, 203-359-2184 | 515 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-866-5252 | 1520 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-259-1989; see all locations at colonygrill.com Ribs/Barbecue Hoodoo Brown BBQ 967 Ethan Alley Hwy., Ridgefield, 203-438-6033; hoodoobrownbbq.com

DROP-IN SPOTS Brunch + Café/Bistro + Lunch Spot Terrain Garden Cafe 561 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-226-2732; shopterrain.com Coffee Shop Lorca 125 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-504-2847; lorcacoffeebar.com Deli A & S Italian Fine Foods 2079 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-576-1600; asfinefoods.com Diner Orem’s Diner 167 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-7370; oremsdiner.com Food Truck The Tasty Yolk 1505 Pequot Ave., Southport, 203-726-6520 | 999 Brookside Dr., Fairfield, 203-526-9745 | 4700 Park Ave., Bridgeport, 203-572-8884 | storefront: 2992 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, 203-545-9311; thetastyyolk.com Health/Organic Organika Kitchen 3546 Post Rd., Southport, 203-955-1500 | 424 Main St., Ridgefield, 203-403-3346; organikact.com Juice Bar Green & Tonic 7 Strickland Rd., Cos Cob, 203-869-1376 | 1098 Post Rd., Darien, 203-656-1036 | 17 Jesup Rd., Westport, 203-557-6392; 665 Commerce Dr., Fairfield,

Wine Shop Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market 2094 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-259-4692; harryswine.com

203-345-0995; see all locations at greenandtonic.com Vegetarian The Lime Restaurant 168 Main St., Norwalk, 203-846-9240; limerestaurant.com

BAR BOASTS Beer Selection + Pub Little Pub 531 East Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-717-1147 | 26 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-1122 | 2133 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-612-4567; see all locations at littlepub.com

MARKETS + MORE Bakery + Desserts DiMare Pastry Shop 1245 East Putnam Ave., Riverside, 203-637-4781 | 12 Largo Dr. S., Stamford, 203-967-2253; dimarepastry.com

Margaritas + Restaurant Bar bartaco 222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-323-8226 | 20 Wilton Rd., Westport, 203-222-8226; see all locations at bartaco.com

Butcher Shop A & S Italian Fine Foods 2079 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-576-1600; asfinefoods.com

Martinis Washington Prime 141 Washington St., Norwalk, 203-857-1314; washingtonprimect.com

Caterer + Gourmet to Go Marcia Selden Catering & Events 65 Research Dr., Stamford, 203-353-8000; marciaselden.com

Microbrewery Half Full Brewery 43 Homestead Ave., Stamford, 203-658-3631 | 575 Pacific St., Stamford, 203-580-2030; halffullbrewery.com

Cup Cakes 22 Candles Custom Cakes Wilton, IG @22candles Gourmet Grocery Balducci’s 1050 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-637-7600 | 1385 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-254-5200; balduccis.com

Outdoor Bar Sunset Grille 52 Calf Pasture Beach Rd., Norwalk, 203-866-4177; sunsetgrille.net

Grocery Pickup/Delivery Option Instacart instacart.com

Wine Bar Barcelona Wine Bar 222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-348-4800 | 515 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-854-5600 | 4180 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-255-0800; see all locations at barcelonawinebar.com m

Liquor Store Total Wine & More 380 Main St., Norwalk, 203-840-0007; see all locations at totalwine.com Seafood Market Fjord Fish Market 158 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-661-5006 | 22 East Ave., New Canaan, 203-966-2200 | 1015 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-202-9473 | 1835 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-255-9331; see all locations at fjordfishmarket.com

Wine List The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s 2748 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-325-9979; watersedgeatgiovannis.com

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TRY IT, LOVE IT! DiMare Pastry Shop This landmark is for a pro-level sweet tooth.

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CHOCOLATE, NOW When we need chocolate, we order DiMare’s 7 Layers cake, with golden sponge cake that is frosted and filled with chocolate buttercream and topped with ganache.

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A BITE OF THIS AND THAT Not sure what you want? Follow our lead: A mix of pastries: cannolis, sfogiatelle, Napoleons, eclairs and lobster tails.

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READERS’ PICKS

TRY IT, LOVE IT Green + Tonic These housemade vegetarian picks always oomphs up our day.

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IT’S A WRAP

BARTACO BY THOMAS MCGOVERN; OPPOSITE: FJORD FISH MARKET BY HAPPI YU; HARRY’S BY WILL MCBRIEN

We can vouch for the Curry Chickpea Wrap, with collard green, spinach, carrots, purple cabbage, curry chickpea spread and curry dressing.

2 WASH IT DOWN We’re all for a Turmeric Boost wellness shot or deeply refreshing Aloe water, but we also rotate in some sip time with Arogya jasmine mint green tea.

1 above: Nothing more refreshing after a day at the beach than a fresh bartaco margarita

1 // BARTACO // WINNER OF BEST MARGARITAS + RESTAURANT BAR

Put your lips to that salty rim and drink in some sweet-and-tangy margarita. Life is good. Enjoy a great seat outside (along the water at the Westport location) or order online for pick-up and serve your favorites—yes, even cocktail kits—at home. The restaurant has it’s own margarita take-home kit—and shaker—for one to six. It’s a good summer, cheers! newcanaandarienmag.com

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3 // FJORD FISH MARKET WINNER OF BEST SEAFOOD MARKET

below: A selection of responsibly sourced seafood in Fjord’s.

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2 2 // HARRY’S WINE & LIQUOR MARKET WINNER OF BEST WINE SHOP

GOLD COAST

above: No matter the occasion—even just a regular dinner— there’s a good wine to fit it. But which one?

The experts at Harry’s can help.

Harry’s opened eighty years ago, in 1941, and is now enjoying its third generation of ownership.

Whether you know wine or you’re just starting out, you’ll find lots of options (like eighty rosé selections) and lots of help making a final choice. And it still feels like a neighborhood shop.

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Want a good seafood market that has your favorites? Of course, you do! Fjord has it all, from market options for home cooking, to catering (note amazing salmon below), to fully cooked food to go. We’re thinking lobster roll with fries and a fresh squeeze of lemon, because nothing tastes better in high summer. Order in one of their beautiful markets or online for pickup or delivery. Really, it’s good—no catch.

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READERS’ PICKS

2021 WINNERS OF

STYLE & SHOP

Go ahead, EXPRESS YOURSELF. Our readers have found the shops and department stores that keep them in style. Some choose fashion to show the world who they are, others outfit their homes with furniture, rugs and accessories to make their part of the world beautiful. A lucky few are good at both. Here’s the list of where to start your journey to showing off your unique style. newcanaandarienmag.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF BRAND

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THE WINNERS LIST FASHION Accessories + Teen Fashion + + Luxe Leisurewear + Virtual/ Online Shopping Services Apricot Lane 1499 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-9888; apricotlaneboutique.com Consignment Roundabout 48 West Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-552-0787 | 606 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-4334; roundaboutcouture.com Department Store + Women’s Fashion Nordstrom at the The SoNo Collection, 100 N. Water St., South Norwalk, 203-642-2634; nordstrom.com and thesonocollection.com Designer Boutique WEST 117 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-4157; west2westport.com Eyewear Warby Parker 344 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-433-7701 | The SoNo Collection, 100 N. Water St., South Norwalk, 203-648-9689; warbyparker.com and thesonocollection.com Jeans B Chic 78 Old Ridgefield Rd., Wilton, 203-210-7037

above: The Avero bra, a Marie Jo Lingerie best-seller, is now available in a fresh new nude tone with an updated delicate floral strap.

SOLEIL TOILE // WINNER OF LINGERIE + SWIMWEAR

Celebrate the human body and all of its precious curves at Soleil Toile, which carries designer lingerie and swimwear. Confident or modest, you’ll feel at ease at this mother-daughter owned store. Plus, no more t-shirts for bed—not when you can find comfy and feminine sleepwear.

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Lingerie + Swimwear Soleil Toile 44 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-966-2887 | 14 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-454-8688; soleiltoile.com

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TRY IT, LOVE IT!

Warby Parker We think these two sunglass styles prove sun safety is cool.

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Luxe layers are an instant way to to look casual yet polished.

In-store stylists can help craft the perfect wardrobe for work and weekend.

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TODDY, FOR MEN

MITCHELLS/RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRAND; WEST PHOTOGRAPHY BY ULLA JOHNSON PHOTO; APRICOT LANE CONTRIBUTEDD

This summer, keep your eye on this sunglass combo: azure crystal frame with scratchresistent lenses, and oak barrel arms. Perfect for a day of sailing.

2 MORGAN,

FOR WOMEN Check out this Mesa Tortoise frame with rivets on the endpieces and deep-green polycarbonate lenses. The round shape is a head turner.

1 // MITCHELLS/RICHARDS WINNER OF MEN’S FASHION + MEN’S SHOES

Clothes make the man, they say. So true! You’re in excellent hands at Michells and Richards, where the men’s department is stocked with designer options. One of the perks of shopping here, in person or online, is the expert style advice as well as professional tailoring. newcanaandarienmag.com

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If you forgot that getting dressed can be fun, and even empowering, then head to this boutique.

The clothing and accessories are unique, stylish and always tasteful, so you never have to wonder if you look as good as you feel.

C O N N E C T I C U T • 2021

3 // APRICOT LANE WINNER OF BEST ACCESSORIES + TEEN + LUXE LEISUREWEAR + ONLINE SHOPPING

below : Putting together outfits, even for the hottest summer days, is a snap with the latest styles in tanks, T’s, jeans and sunhats.

2 // WEST WINNER OF BEST DESIGNER BOUTIQUE

GOLD COAST

above: The Ulla Johnson Tarama dress in coral is a sweet mini, featuring a layered skirt in tiers of lurex gilded silk. The ruched bodice is framed with full sleeves and features a delicately ruffled neckline.

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Teen shoppers just have a way of knowing what’s in style and what looks good on them. The amount of votes in Best of the Gold Coast suggest they’re heading to this fashion-forward boutique—the rest of us would do well to follow their lead.

TIME TO SHINE

HENRY C. REID

WINNER OF BEST SPECIAL OCCASION JEWELRY

Jewelry is always your outfit’s best attention-getter.

Yellow-gold hoop earrings with pear-shaped diamonds by Arzano; $5,725

For special occasions, like a wedding; reaching celebratory milestones, like graduating college; or just because “a little something extra” will complete your look, jewelry is always in style.

Local boutiques have a treasure trove of options. Just pick your favorites, like warm gold and diamonds or cool silver and colorful gems.

It’s a rock-solid treat.

MANFREDI JEWELS

WINNER OF BEST WATCHES Khaki Navy Scuba automatic watch by Hamilton; $745. Cape Cod Quartz 23mm watch by Hermès; $7,625

MITCHELLS/RICHARDS

WINNER OF BEST DESIGNER JEWELRY Yellow gold, pearl and diamond station chain necklace by Mariani; $27,500

WINNER OF BEST LOCAL JEWELRY BOUTIQUE Diamond bracelet in 14K yellow gold; $4,850

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ALL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRANDS

LUX BOND & GREEN

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READERS’ PICKS Men’s Fashion + Men’s Shoes + Personal/Private Shopping Services Mitchells/Richards 359 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-0551 | 670 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-5165; shop.mitchellstores.com New Shop Classically Cate 21 River St., Wilton, 203-216-3795; classicallycateboutique.com Women’s Shoes Shoes ‘N’ More 251 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-629-2323 | 1074-1076 Post Rd., Darien, 203-202-7702 | 121 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-972-8484 | 275 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-4224; see all locations at shoesnmore.com

JEWELRY Designer Jewelry Mitchells/Richards 359 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-0551 | 670 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-5165; shop.mitchellstores.com Estate Jewelry Peter Suchy 1137 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-327-0024; petersuchyjewelers.com Everyday Jewelry Apricot Lane 1499 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-9888; apricotlaneboutique.com Fine Jewelry Betteridge 239 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-869-0124; betteridge.com

Special Occasion Jewelry Henry C. Reid Jewelers 1591 Post Road, Fairfield, 203-255-0447; hcreidjewelers.com

Home Organization Design Services Tidy Nest Ridgefield; tidynest.com

Watches Manfredi Jewels 121 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 866-312-9653 | 72 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-966-8705; manfredijewels.com

Home Security System Designs & Services New Canaan Alarm 145 Cherry St., New Canaan, 203-966-8713; newcanaanalarm.com Home Tech Services Untangled 196 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-665-8221; theuntangledlife.com

HOME Antiques/Vintage Store Bungalow 4 Sconset Sq., Westport, 203-227-4406; bungalowdecor.com

Lighting Chloe Winston Lighting Design 68 Water St., Norwalk, 203-957-8686; chloewinstonlighting.com

Appliances Aitoro 401 Westport Ave., Norwalk, 203-847-2471; aitoro.com

Linens + Rugs Serena & Lily 35 Elm St., Westport, 203-635-8000; serenaandlily.com

Bookstore Barnes & Noble 76 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-221-7955; barnesandnoble.com

Outdoor Furniture Terrain 561 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-226-2750; shopterrain.com

Cleaning Services (rugs, furniture, home) Triple S 400 West Main St., Stamford, 203-327-7471 | 337 Westport Ave., Norwalk, 203-847-8000; triplesclean.com

Pool Design & Services Shoreline 393 West Ave., Stamford, 203-967-1203; shorelinepools.com

WEDDINGS

Contemporary Furnishings + Furniture Crate & Barrel 1200 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-222-9500; crateandbarrel.com

Local Jewelry Boutique Lux Bond & Green 136 Main St., Westport, 203-227-1300; lbgreen.com

Garden Center + Hardscaping Services + Home Garden Design & Services + Landscaping Services Designs by Lee 129 Interlaken Rd., Stamford, 203-322-2206; designsbylee.com

Selection of Local Designers R. Hollander Master Goldsmith 154 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-363-2200; ringart.com

Home Accessories Habitat Greenwich 234 E. Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-900-1233; habitatgreenwich.com

Bridal Gowns + Bridesmaid Dresses Marietta C. Designs 436 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich; mariettac.com Menswear Mitchells/Richards 359 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-0551 670 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-5165; shop.mitchellstores.com Wedding Cakes Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes 3 Field Rd., Cos Cob, 203-869-9545; sweetlisas.com

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TRY IT, LOVE IT! Serena & Lily Bedroom as luxe spa?

We want that for you.

Here are two picks to start right.

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PRIANO DUVET COVER Refresh this summer. The botanical print in navy is crisp, yet sweet— and the scallop edging is like the waterline at high tide. The reverse is as solid white as those clouds you should be counting.

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SEA STRIPE RUG Come morning, swing your feet over and dip your toes into this soft, hand-knotted rug with all the coastal feels.

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TRY IT, LOVE IT! Melani Lust One day has many ways to tell a love story, and we always tear up for these two looks.

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FORMAL PORTRAIT

Wedding Flowers Fresh Flower Bar 1301 Bronson Rd., Fairfield, 203-800-3830; freshflowerbar.com

Wedding Invitations/ Stationery MK&T Design and Print 203-807-2209; mkatdesign.com

Wedding Gifts Tied Winners Hoagland’s of Greenwich 175 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 888-640-9577; hoaglands.com and Simon Pearce 170 Main St., Westport, 203-226-2353; simonpearce.com

Wedding Music James Daniel 125 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-969-2400; jamesdaniel.com Wedding Photographer Melani Lust Photography 203-454-5878; melanilustphotography.com

CANDIDS Lost in the joy of the first dance, a stolen look during the speeches, holding hands while waving farewell, Melani finds the image that is personal.

Wedding/Engagement Rings Betteridge 239 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-869-0124; betteridge.com

Wedding Planner Ashley Douglass Events Greenwich, 917-748-6281; ashleydouglassevents.com

We love when Melani captures the moment when a bride is alone in her thoughts just prior to exchanging vows: serene and beautiful.

2 JOYFUL

Wedding Reception Venue The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s 2748 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-325-9979; watersedgeatgiovannis.com

BETTERIDGE WINNER OF WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT RINGS above: Estate Collection 5.14 ct emerald-cut diamond ring by Betteridge; $220,000. below: 18K yellow gold European comfort fit wedding band by Betteridge; $1,150.

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A diamond, as stunning as it is, is more than just a diamond. It’s a love story. And Betteridge helps express the commitment you’ve made to each other.

Personalize yours through yellow or pink diamonds, round or emerald cut, elaborate setting or simple bands.

The jewelers at this boutique will help you find the right rings, just for the two of you.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRANDS

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PHOTOGRAPHY: MARIETTA C. DESIGNS BY JULIE BIDWELL; WATERS EDGE AT GIOVANNI’S CONTRIBUTED; FRESH FLOWER BAR BY SARAH O’BRIEN

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1 // MARIETTA C. DESIGNS WINNER OF BEST BRIDAL GOWNS + BRIDESMAID DRESSES Just like there is only one true love, so too is there one unique dress for you—and lovely options for your bridesmaids. Have them custom-made to help your dream come true.

2 // THE WATERS EDGE AT GIOVANNI’S WINNER OF WEDDING RECEPTION VENUE Your closest friends and loving family have gathered for your big day. Celebrate with endless water views and plenty of space to dance the night away (choose from 600+ to 4,500+ square feet).

3 // FRESH FLOWER BAR WINNER OF WEDDING FLOWERS Soft, fragrant, lush floral arrangements add so much romance to the big day. Whether you choose pale pink roses, parrot tulips and hydrangea or dreamy cala lilies, purple sweet pea and pink roses, they just magically fit together.

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SERVICES & TO-DO’S

THE

2021 WINNERS

We know you have a lot to get done every day —LIFE IS BUSY! Here are your insiders’ picks for the best pros in beauty and fitness as well as all things family and home. The pros at these places help make life better, including yoga, golf, music and a clean car.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: BELEN’S BEAUTY BOUTIQUE BY FADIL BERISHA PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE WINNERS LIST PAMPERING Blow Out/Updo + Men’s Styling/Salon H Salon 2060 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-255-0798; hsaloncolorcutdesign.com Color Gavali Salon 1215 Post Rd., Fairfield, 888-444-7071; gavalisalon.com Day Spa + Eyebrow Services + Facial Lanphier 20 West Ave., Darien, 203-656-4444; lanphier.us Eyelash Services Belén’s Beauty Boutique 67 Church St., Greenwich, 203-517-7155; belensbeautyboutique.com Makeup Application Amber Papstavros amberpapastavros.com Makeup Boutique bluemercury 254 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-863-0005 | 120 Main St., New Canaan, 203-9727100 | 1015 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-656-9660 | 57 Main St., Westport, 203-222-9222 | 62 Main St., Westport, 203-227-6900; see all locations at bluemercury.com

1 above: Belén, a licensed cosmetologist and certified eyelash artist

1 // BELEN’S BEAUTY BOUTIQUE // WINNER OF EYELASH SERVICES

Want some good advice? Make eye contact. Another tip? Boost your lashes. Belén transforms so-so lashes into wow ones, making them fuller and longer. You can get a tint, add a choice of extensions and more to give you the look you never thought you’d see.

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Mani/Pedi Posh Spa & Nails 195 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-900-1099 | 1077 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-3095454 | 401 Post Rd. W., Westport, 203-222-8830; poshct.com Massage Massage Mavens 203-340-2518; massagemavens.com

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1 // JOYRIDE CYCLING + FITNESS WINNER OF INDOOR CYCLING Choose your closest studio, your favorite bike and your goal— it’s go time on your bike. JoyRide helps you get there, with motivation, experienced instructors and top-notch equipment.

Good music helps! Plus, try JoyRideGo, for virtual rides.

2 // SAMA YOGA CENTER WINNER OF YOGA With group and private classes, and special sessions for teens and beginners, and even prenatal practices, academy sessions and retreats, it’s clear that if you breathe in, breathe out, you can find a yoga practice here. The studio even has a lovely outdoor garden for doing your sun salutation in the sun.

3 // UPPER DECK FITNESS WINNER OF VIRTUAL/LIVE STREAM On the website or through the app, you can do your workouts with live coaching support. You are not given a list of moves to complete; you’re guided, corrected and encouraged by a pro.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: JOYRIDE BY DAVE DELLINGER; SAMA YOGA BY A. CERASO; UPPER DECK FITNESS, CONTRIBUTED

GOLD COAST

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READERS’ PICKS Spray Tan GLOW 1081 East Putnam Ave., Riverside, 203-990-0209; glow-tone.com

Norwalk, 203-883-6070 | 645 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-883-9262 | 525 Tunxis Hill Cut Off, Fairfield, 203-883-8220; orangetheoryfitness.com

Waxing/Hair Removal The Waxing Spot 211 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-340-9590; 420 Post Rd. W., Westport, 203-228-5118; thewaxingspot.com

Golf Equipment The Golf Performance Center 824 Ethan Allen Hwy., Ridgefield, 203-790-4653; thegolfperformancecenter.com

Women’s Hairstyling Reveal Hair Salon 332A Hope St., Stamford, 203-359-3050; revealhairsalon.com

FITNESS + GEAR Activewear lululemon 151 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-5046; 69 Main St., Westport, 203-2271378; see all locations at shop.lululemon.com Barre pure barre 280 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-489-3500 | 1958 Post Rd., Darien, 203-309-5690 | 291 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-8663; see all locations at purebarre.com Bicycle Shop Danny’s Cycles 1492 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-883-8488 | 1950 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-355-0002; see all locations at dannyscycles .com Crossfit Crossfit Stamford 75 Selleck St., Stamford, 203-569-2906; crossfitstamford.com Dance Fitness Allegra Dance Greenwich 37 West Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-629-9162; allegradancegreenwich.com Fitness Studio Orangetheory Fitness 1101 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-883-9518 | 364 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-309-2669 | 205 Main St.,

Children’s/Baby Décor She La La 120 Main St., New Canaan, 203-594-9798 | 281 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-8365; shopshelala.com Children’s Clothes Groove 420 Post Rd. W., Westport, 203-557-8111 | 115 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-920-1700; shopgroove.net

Gym Chelsea Piers Connecticut 1 Blachley Rd., Stamford, 203-989-1000; chelseapiersct.com

Children’s Fitness Training Master Na’s Traditional Martial Arts 2109 Summer St., Stamford, 203-724-9592; stamfordtma.com

Indoor Cycling JoyRide Cycling + Fitness 25 Old Kings Hwy. N. (Goodwives Shopping Center), Darien, 203-202-9712 | 1200 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-349-5454 | 62 Danbury Rd., Ridgefield, 203-403-6874; joyridestudio.com

Children’s Haircuts Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids 1568 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-8700; sharkeyscutsforkids.com

Pilates Club Pilates 70 Main St., New Canaan, 203-405-8050 | 1063 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-4394670 | 427 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-990-1011 | 85 Mill Plain Rd., Sportsplex, Fairfield, 203-659-0090; clubpilates.com

Children’s Music Lessons Fairfield |Trumbull School of Music 338 Commerce Dr., Fairfield, 203-690-1888; ftsmusic.org Children’s Parties Rosebud Slumber Parties rosebudslumberparties.com

Private Fitness Training Inspire Fitness 1051 Long Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-658-8000; inspirefitnessct.com

College Prep Courses Carnegie Prep 203-352-3500; carnegieprep.com Family-Friendly Restaurant Little Pub 531 East Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-717-1147 | 26 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-1122 | 2133 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-612-4567; see all locations at littlepub.com

Virtual/Live Stream Fitness Upper Deck Fitness 225 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-309-6231; upperdeckfitness.com Yoga Sama Yoga Center 45 Grove St., New Canaan, 203-594-7077; samayogacenter.com

Nanny/Babysitting Services Nannies As Needed see all locations at nanniesasneeded.com Toy Store Awesome Toys & Gifts 970 High Ridge Rd., Stamford | 429 Post Rd. E., Westport, 424-293-7663; awesometoys.com

FAMILY LIFE Art Classes + Art Gallery Silvermine Arts Center 1037 Silvermine Rd., New Canaan, 203-966-9700; silvermineart.org

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TRY IT, LOVE IT! Reveal Hair Salon Our top bets at this salon for winning at summer hair.

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SERVICE Try the 3 Minute Repair by Eleven Australia—a $25 in-salon deep conditioning and reparative treatment and a 200mL take-home product.

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PRODUCT Ask about Trybe Hair Care—an all-inclusive line for textured hair. Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products meant to suit every hair texture.

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READERS’ PICKS ERRANDS

TRY IT, LOVE IT!

Awesome Toys & Gifts Surprise the kids with a new game or gift from this shop.

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UBONGO! This is a game of puzzles for lots of ages. You work through nine levels to arrange the puzzle pieces before the timer runs out or your competitor beats you.

600 Riverside Ave., 203-227-6153; 190 Weston Rd., Weston, 203-3495302; minutemencleaners.com and Sanda’s Cleaners 59 E. Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-992-1515 | 78 Pine St., New Canaan, 203-966-3962 | 178 Heights Rd., Darien, 203-656-3539 | 160 Rowayton Ave., Norwalk, 203-866-1500; ​ sandascleaners.com

Auto Repair Shop Pray Body Shop 336 Elm St., Stamford, 203-359-3025; praybodyshop.com Car Wash Splash Car Wash see all locations at splashcarwashes.com CBD Store Your CBD Store 48 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-594-7656; cbdrx4u.com

Florist Hansen’s Flower Shop 1040 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-255-0461; hansensflowershop.com

Dry Cleaners Tied Winners Fabricare 264 Heights Rd., Noroton Heights, 203-655-3381; 5 Holmes St., Norwalk, 203-229-0001; 2130 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-256-2725; fabricarecleaners.net and Minute Men Cleaners 223 East Putnam Ave., 203-869-3361;

Gift Shop Splurge 39 Lewis St., Greenwich, 203-869-7600; splurgegifts.com Livery Service Rudy’s Limousine 203-609-8000 (reservations), 866-678-3700 (curbside pickup); rudylimo.com

Online Banking Chase chase.com Pet Groomer/Pet Spa All Fur Paws 209 Bruce Park Ave., Greenwich, 203-542-5181; allfurpawsct.com Pet Supplies/Pet Clothing Choice Pets 80 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-869-4999 | 949 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-9682600 | 360 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, 203-853-2777 | 374 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-226-1111 | 1947 Black Rock Tpk., 203-334-4242; see all locations at choicepet.com Portrait Photographer Jerri Graham Photography 203-803-5485; jerrigrahamphotography.com Shoe Repair Westfair Shoe Repair 1783 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-259-5587 Storage Facility Westy Self Storage 80 Brownhouse Rd., Stamford, 203-961-8000 | 50 Keeler Ave., Norwalk, 203-899-1234 | 65 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-7600 | 2070 Kings Hwy., Fairfield, 203-256-2777; see all locations at westy.com

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WRAPPLES These cute animal wrist wraps love to be petted and have more than fifty reactions—even their eyes light up in colors to share moods.

Local Hotel Delamar Southport 275 Old Post Rd., Southport, 203-259-2800; delamar.com/southport

Tailor Ted the Tailor 2 Church St., Greenwich, 203-869-5699

SPLASH WINNER OF CAR WASH Just like muddy puddles seem to be everywhere, so too are Splash locations—or close to it: There are twenty choices. So when your vehicle needs cleaning, choose hand wash or the automated full-service tunnel, then get back on the go. newcanaandarienmag.com

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Veterinarian Spot On Veterinary Hospital & Hotel 184 Selleck St., Stamford, 203-973-7768; spotonvet.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARVIN BURKE

GOLD COAST

It’s Always a Good Day to...

Gofer Ice Cream!

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Thank you for your votes & support!

GREENWICH • STAMFORD • DARIEN WILTON • NEW CANAAN • RIDGEFIELD GOFERICECREAM.COM GOFERFRANCHISE.COM

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Nick Martschenko, chef and owner of The South End Restaurant Group, shows off the taco platter at The Back End in New Canaan.

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THE WINNERS LIST

Chinese Village Gourmet villagegourmetnorwalk.com

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Greek Pontos Taverna pontostaverna.com

FOOD & DRINK

Indian Coromandel coromandelcuisine.com

RESTAURANTS

Italian Spiga eatatspiga.com

Best Service + Private Dining + Restaurant Bar + Wine Bar Ten Twenty Post tentwentypost.com Pickup/Delivery Option + Seafood + Outdoor Dining + Outdoor Seating Rowayton Seafood rowaytonseafood.com Business Lunch Oak & Almond oakandalmond.com Creative Menu + French + Cafe/ Bistro Bruxelles Brasserie bruxellessono.com Hotel Restaurant + Special Occasion/Date Night + Martinis + Wine List Tavern at GrayBarns tavernatgraybarns.com New Restaurant + Margaritas The Back End thesouthendgroup.com Steak Blackstones Grille blackstonessteakhouse.com Sushi + Seafood Market Fjord fjordfishmarket.com

Japanese Hibachi Sushi Ya sushiyadarien.com Roasted chicken breast with carrot and parsnip puree, broccolini, cremini mushrooms and cipollini onion. Yum.

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1 // BRUXELLES BRASSERIE WINNER OF BEST CREATIVE MENU Mixing the flavors of Belgium and France into one menu is clearly one of chef Roland Olah’s great talents. His passion for food can be tasted in every dish from the classic beef bouruignon to the platters of fresh chilled seafood, you’ll want to go back again and again.

2 // THE BACK END WINNER OF BEST NEW RESTAURANT If you haven’t been to The Back End in New Canaan, make it a priority. This little Mexican-inspired joint has some of the best food around—and that toasted coconut margartita will most definitely transport you to that island vacation you’ve been craving.

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The tuna nachos are so fresh and full of flavor.

Mediterranean Sole zhospitalitygroup.com Mexican bodega Taco Bar bodegatacobar.com Spanish + Tapas Barcelona Wine Bar barcelonawinebar.com Thai Little Thai Kitchen littlethaikitchen.com

CASUAL FOOD Bagels Upper Crust Bagel Co. uppercrustbagel.com Breakfast Rosie rosienewcanaan.com Brunch Valencia Luncheria valencialuncheria.com

REGIONAL SPECIALTIES

Frozen Yogurt Swirl facebook.com/swirlfrozenyogurts

American + Family Friendly Restaurant South End thesouthendgroup.com

Ice Cream Gofer Ice Cream gofericecream.com Hamburgers + Outdoor Bar Uncorked thesouthendgroup.com

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READERS’ PICKS Butcher Shop Darien Butcher Shop darienbutchershop.com

TRY IT, LOVE IT!

Cupcakes Forever Sweet foreversweetbakery.com

Lanphier Winner of Best Day Spa

Gourmet Grocery + Caterer + Grocery Pickup/Delivery + Desserts/Chocolate + Wedding Cakes Palmer’s Market adashofsaltcatering.com

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Gourmet to Go Aux Delices Foods auxdelicesfoods.com

RELAXATION Spa packages are just what the doctor ordered and Lanphier offers some amazing ones.

Try the Stress Reliever for a 60-minute massage and signature facial.

Pure heaven.

2 COLOR THERAPY After months at home, it’s time to color those grays.

Book your color consulation so you’re ready to mingle—all summer long.

Vegetarian/Organic/Health The Lime limerestaurant.com CBD Store Your CBD Store cbdrx4u.com

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Flour Salt Water’s chocolate croissants.

3 // FLOUR WATER SALT WINNER OF BEST BAKERY Whether you stop in for a fresh-from-the oven sourdough loaf or the most delicious chocolate criossant—this Darien bakery really could be the best here, or anywhere. Bonus: head over on Friday night for the most insane pizzas.

Hot Dogs Jake’s Place jakesplacect.com

Health Food Maikana Foods maikanafoods.com

Pizza Letizia’s letiziaspizza.com

Juice Bar Green & Tonic greenandtonic.com

Ribs/Barbecue Bobby Q’s Cue & Co. bobbyqsrestaurant.com Coffee Shop Zumbach’s Gourmet Coffee facebook.com/zumbachscoffee

Lunch Spot + Beer Selection The Goose American Bistro and Bar thegoosedarien.com Pub BJ Ryan’s’; bjryans.com

Deli Uncle’s Deli unclesdeli.com Diner Sugar Bowl sugarbowlofdarien.com

Wine Shop Total Wine & More totalwine.com

STYLE & SHOP FASHION Accessories + Virtual/ Online Shopping + Children’s/ Baby Decor She La La shopshelala.com Consignment Double Exposure doubleexposureboutique.com

MARKETS + MORE

Department Store + Personal/ Private Shopping Services + Women’s Fashion + Men’s Fashion + Men’s Shoes Darien Sport Shop dariensport.com

Bakery Flour Water Salt flourwatersaltbread.com

Designer Boutique Splash of Pink splashofpink.com

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Liquor Store Leary’s Liquor Cabinet learysliquorcabinet.com

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Teen Fashion + Children’s Clothes Groove shopgroove.net

Watches + Wedding/ Engagement Rings Manfredi manfredijewels.com

Women’s Shoes Shoes ‘N’ More shoesnmore.com

Everyday Jewelry Pennyweights etsy.com/shop/ pennyweightsjewelry

Linens The Linen Shop thelinenshopct.com Outdoor Furniture Seasons Too seasonstoo.com Pool Design and Services Rick Pinto Swimming Pools rickpintopools.com

Gifts Everything Is Rosey everythingisrosey.com

Selection of Local Designers Studio Minerale studiominerale.com

JEWELRY

HOME

Designer Jewelry + Fine Jewelry + Local Jewelry Boutique + Estate Jewelry + Special Occasion Jewelry +

Appliances + Home Tech Services Aitoro aitoro.com

WEDDINGS

Bookstore Barrett Bookstore barrettbookstore.com

Bridal Gowns A Little Something White alittlesomethingwhite.com

Cleaning Services (rugs, furniture, home) Fabricare Cleaners fabricarecleaners.net

Wedding Flowers Bon Fleur Bonfleur.com

4 // DARIEN SPORT SHOP WINNER OF BEST DEPARTMENT STORE

This Darien instituion has been here for 75 years and still doesn’t miss a fashion beat (Ulla Johnson dresses? Yes, please).

And, you’ll still find the best service in retail, too.

Furniture + Contemporary Furnishings + Dry Cleaning Lillian August Design Center lillianaugust.com

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Hardscaping Services Tuliptree Site Design tuliptreesitedesign.com Florist + Home Garden Design & Services + Home Accessories Nielsen’s Florist & Garden Shop nielsensflorist.com Home Organization Design Services Adele Organizes adeleorganizes.com Home Security System Designs and Services Security Solutions Inc. securitysolutionsinc.com Landscaping Services Hoffman Landscapes hoffmanlandscapes.com Lighting Chloe Winston Lighting Design chloewinstonlighting.com

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Storage Westy westy.com Hollow Tree hollowtreestorage.com

Wedding Gifts MK&T Design and Print mkatdesign.com Wedding Invitations/ Stationary The Whitney Shop thewhitneyshop.com Wedding Music James Daniel Entertainment jamesdaniel.com Wedding Photographer Melani Lust Photography melanilustphotography.com Wedding Planner Laura Boulton Events lauraboultonevents.com Wedding Reception Venue DCA dariendca.org

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SERVICES & TO-DO’S PAMPERING Blow Out/Updo + Color + Day Spa + Eyebrow Services + Children’s Haircuts + Facial + Mani/Pedi + Men’s Styling/ Salon + Waxing/Hair Removal + Women’s Styling/Salon Lanphier lanphier.us Makeup Boutique Bluemercury bluemercury.com

5 // GRAYBARNS WINNER OF BEST LOCAL HOTEL

golfgalaxy.com Gym Equinox equinox.com Indoor Cycling Joyride Cycling + Fitness joyridestudio.com

It may only have six (very spacous) guest rooms, but the Inn at Graybarns is one of the most spectacular spots in all of Fairfield County. Take a staycation and enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the Silvermine River, in-room beauty services and delicious fare from the Tavern. Yes, please.

Pilates Club Pilates clubpilates.com Private Fitness Training

Linda Stephens Fitness lindamstephens.com Yoga Sama Yoga Center samayogacenter.com Virtual/Live Stream Fitness

Spray Tan Coco Glow Organic Sunless Tanning cocoglowsunless.com Massage Massage Mavens massagemavens.com

FITNESS + GEAR Activewear/Running Shoes New Balance newbalance.com Barre

Pure Barre purebarre.com Dance Fitness + Children’s Fitness Dance on the DL danceonthedl.com

Saraswati Yoga Joint syjyoga.com

FAMILY LIFE College Prep Courses Summit Educational Group mytutor.com Children’s Parties Rosebud Slumber Parties rosebudslumberparties.com

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Toy Store Darien Toy Box darientoybox.com

Local Hotel Graybarns graybarns.com

ERRANDS & MORE Art Gallery + Art Classes Silvermine Art Center silvermineart.org

Bicycle Shop Danny’s Cycles dannyscycles.com

Auto Repair Shop Fedor 203.838.2443

CrossFit Crossfit Norwalk crossfitnorwalk.com

Car Wash Splash Car Wash splashcarwashes.com

Fitness Studio Orangetheory Fitness orangetheory.com

CBD Store Your CBD Store cbdrx4u.com

Golf Equipment Golf Galaxy

Livery Service Hoyt hoytlivery.com

Online Banking Services Chase chase.com Pet Groomer The Hairy Barker thehairybarkerinnandspa.com Veterinarian VCA Darien Animal Hospital vcahospitals.com Pet Supplies The Pawprint Market pawprintmarket.com

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Portrait Photographer Kristin Wood Photography kristinwoodphoto.com Shoe Repair Darien Shoe Repair 203.655.6169 Tailor Sokayri Atelier and Boutique, Custom Couture and Tailoring sokayri.com

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awards

the premier home design competition

And the winner is...

The A-list Awards Networking Gala & Awards Ceremony We’re thrilled to celebrate with a brand-new awards presentation at The Village, Stamford’s exciting new waterfront destination!

September 14, 2021 JUDGES

BRIAN SAWYER Sawyer | Berson

MARA MILLER Carrier and Company

JESSE CARRIER Carrier and Company

BRITT ZUNINO Studio DB

DAMIAN ZUNINO Studio DB

KEITH WILLIAMS Nievera Williams

STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS! athomealistawards.com EXCLUSIVE AWARD SPONSOR

Sponsors >

EDWARD SIEGEL Edward Siegel Architect

The Fourth Annual Lecture & Luncheon benefiting the New Canaan Nature Center was an enormous success! The enthusiasm for the event was contagious and a big thank you to our co-chairs, Mariko LeBaron, Molly Reilly, and Peggy Toce. Everyone was dressed in their spring best and happy to gather on such a beautiful day!

A special thanks to our generous sponsors, Saxe & Bryan Properties Compass, Renaissance Partners, and Moffly Media.

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VOICES 20th Anniversary Commemoration

Art Exhibition SILV ERMINE AR T S CENTER: SEP TEMB ER 1 – OC TOB ER 9 You are invited to attend a unique exhibit of hope and healing showcasing never-before-seen artwork, created by artists of all ages from across the country, in response to and in the years following 9/11.

VOICES extensive collection includes inspirational artwork, photographs, sculpture, drawings, quilts, and artistic expressions of empathy to commemorate the lives lost, document the stories, and bring comfort to our Nation.

Chris Crossen

An online exhibit will broaden the gallery experience.

Opening Night Reception and Cocktail Party: September 1, 6:00–8:00PM For tickets go to VoicesCenter.org or call 203.966.3911

From 9/11 to today, helping families and communities heal after tragedy

Bonnie & Bob McNamara • Mary & Frank Fetchet • Stephanie & Jim Vos

October is for

Design in New Canaan October4design is New Canaan’s month-long celebration of architecture, art, design, and the community where it happens.

The New Canaan Museum + Historical Society and its cultural partners showcase New Canaan’s diverse creative community – its rich history, its distinctive character, and its vibrant future.

Architecture

Thank You for Voting Us Thank You for Voting Us

BEST LIGHTING STORE BEST 3LIGHTING STORE Years in a Row! 3 Years in a Row!

#lifejustgotbrighter #lifejustgotbrighter chloewinstonlighting.com chloewinstonlighting.com 203-957-8686 203-957-8686

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@mikebiondophoto

Art

Art, photography, sculpture, drawings, and ceramics are all part of what makes this month a celebration of the arts.

Cultural institutions, galleries, and artists share their vision through programs, exhibitions and outdoor sculpture. Join renowned ceramicist Frances Palmer for a design luncheon.

Design

Taking a Look Inside Westy...

O4d features the Modern House Day Tour + Symposium on October 22 + 23.

Visit mid-century gems – timeless and new, The Glass House, and Grace Farms.

Other programs include presentations

by Bryony Roberts, Robert Gregson, Sean Godsell, Mark Markiewicz AIA, Nina Anker, and more.

Costas Picadas

At the heart of O4d is design in its many forms — the Craftsman Modern design of BassamFellows, grounded in impeccable craftsmanship, architectural rigor, and sensual minimalism. NEA Studio’s sustainable architecture, interior, landscape, and product design. Fred Noyes AIA presents the Noyes Family Legacy of Design. . . and much more.

stay up to date at october4design.org

JULY/AUGUST 2021 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN O4d half-page Moffly ad final.indd 1

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S U InMassociation M E RwithTTedHSwindley E ATProductions, R E OInc.F Originally N E Wproduced C AbyNTheAAmerican A NTheater 2021 S E A S O N P R E S E N TS Company, Kitty Roberts, Producer, Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Honky Tonk Angels

July 16 – Aug 1

By Ted Swindley, Creator of Always ... Patsy Cline Featuring Hit Songs from Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette and more!

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

For Young Audiences onWeekends

STOOPKID STORIES LIVE!

World Premier July 17 – Aug 1

July 10 – Aug 1

PRofeSSIonal ouTdooR TheaTRe TICKETS/Info STonC.oRG In Waveny PaRk, neW Canaan 203-966-4634 ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MELODY MEITROTT LIBONATI Media Sponsors

Sponsors

Summer Theatre of New Canaan is a 501 (c)3 not for profit professional theatre company

advertisers index BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT California Closets ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9 Grand Entrance Gates ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 41 J.P. McHole Pest Management ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������43 Robert A. Cardello Architects ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 7 Shutter Company �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������45 BUSINESS & FINANCE Cummings & Lockwood – Stamford ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 47 Davidson, Dawson & Clark, LLP �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������49 DECORATING & HOME FURNISHINGS Chloe Winston Lighting Design �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������93 EVENTS A-List Awards ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 90 Darien Bicentennial Committee �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������46 Light A Fire �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 57 New Canaan Historical Society �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������93 New York City Wine & Food Festival �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������44 Smilow Cancer Hospital ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 47 Summer Theatre of New Canaan ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������94 Voices of Reflection at Silvermine Arts Center �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������92 Weston Fine Arts Festival ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 41 FASHION & JEWELRY Lux Bond & Green ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1 Manfredi Jewelers ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Cover 4 FOOD, CATERING & LODGING BJ Ryan's Banc House ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������25 Gofer Ice Cream ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������83 The South End Restaurant Group ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Cover 3 Table 104 Osteria Bar �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������29 Waters Edge at Giovanni's ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21 Washington Prime �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������23 Winvian ......................................................................................................................................................... 12 HEALTH & BEAUTY Hospital for Special Surgery ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 Meadow Ridge �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������45 Nuvance Health ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������11 Paul D. Harbottle, DDS, LLC �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������43 ViVey Skincare ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17 LANDSCAPING, NURSERY & FLORISTS Palmer’s Market ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������2, 3

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SPORTS & FITNESS Chelsea Piers Connecticut ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������27 MISCELLANEOUS EPOCH Senior Living Inc �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������39 Hollow Tree Self Storage ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 47 MRI Survey �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������48 Splash Car Wash ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������83 Westy Self Storage �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������93 JULY/AUGUST 2021 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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postscript by julie k apl an • photog raphy by vener a alex androva

SHUCK YEAH!

COPPS ISLAND OYSTERS OPENS A SECRET LITTLE SHOP AT ITS HEADQUARTERS IN NORWALK

J

eanne Bloom has a thing for style.

Her dad, Norm, has a thing for oysters.

The Blooms, longtime owners of Copps Island Oysters, have opened the cutest shop at Copps called The Oysterman's Daughter.

The brainchild of Jeanne, the shop offers consumers the ability to stop in, buy oysters (much of Copps business is open to wholesale clients), clams and lobster as well as sweet gifts like branded apparel and accessories, shucking tools and select items from Vessl, the non-toxic, locally-sourced skincare line developed by Jeanne and her To + From nail salon business partner, Henri Helender. The shop is meant to be a sweet little secret, so you won't find any signs outside. But, if you stop in, you'll be so glad you did.

7 Edgewater Place, Norwalk, coppsislandoysters.com

From oysters and shucking tools to gorgeous coffee table books, The Oysterman's Daughter is a must-stop for summer gifting.

newcanaandarienmag.com

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Best of Gold Coast 2021 Four Time Winner Enjoy one of our three dining destinations where it always feels like home. We look forward to seeing you.

-Nick Martschenko, Founder and Executive Chef

15 Elm St, New Canaan

17 Elm St, New Canaan

36 Pine St, New Canaan

For menus and hours visit www.thesouthendgroup.com