Stamford Magazine, March/April 2020 by Moffly Media

10 - y e a r r et ro s pect i v e

Home Redesigns with Lasting Style

ma k e a stat e m e n t

i n t h e ga r de n

Furnishings with Attitude

Creating Outdoor Spaces

MAR/APR 2020

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the STATE of REAL ESTATE

CITY on the MOVE New residential developments changing Stamford’s skyline

THE BIG VIEW

Oversee Stamford’s changes from a plush perch at Allure Harbor Point

Styles Spring Fashion! Fresh Ready to Pop

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M A R C I A S E L D E N C AT E R I N G I N A C U L I N A R Y C O L L A B O R AT I O N W I T H M AT T H E W K E N N E Y C U I S I N E IS THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF N A K E D F I G C AT E R I N G The first ever luxury catering concept devoted solely to plant-based cuisine.

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THE BEST ORTHOPEDICS BY FAR IS NEAR. HSS Orthopedics and Stamford Health have teamed up in Connecticut. The same expertise that earned HSS U.S. News & World Report’s

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#1 ranking for orthopedics in the nation can be found locally

To learn more or make an appointment with an HSS

through its unique collaboration with Stamford Health. As a U.S.

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News & World Report Best Hospital in the Faireld County area,

HSS.edu/StamfordHealth

Stamford Health attracts world-leading specialists, including HSS for orthopedics. HSS Orthopedic specialists see patients at HSS Stamford at Chelsea Piers. If surgery is necessary, the HSS surgeons operate at the award-winning Stamford Hospital and Stamford Health Tully Health Center. We’re here for you because how you move is who you are, how you are and how you live. Most major insurance plans accepted.

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contents MAR/APR 2020 vol. 11 | no. 2

features

departments

by diane sembrot

10 EDITOR’S LETTER

MOVING ON

13 STATUS REPORT

Stamford’s skyline is changing as new developments take root. We look at what they mean for buyers from out of state, sellers in transition and longtime homeowners.

BUZZ Spotlight on Talia Robinson; good skincare with SkinCeuticals; getting real about parenting; healthy habits for kids; concierge medicine SHOP Statement pieces for your home

by s c ot t t hom as

GO Escape to Maui; BMW 745e HOME Finding space in any room, with California Closets; spindles and spools around the house

HOME AGAIN We cherry-picked projects from the last decade to show the value of smart home investments—proof that good taste lasts. by ju dy ost row

GARDEN ENVY

EAT Taco Daddy for seriously good eats; Naked Fig events 43 PEOPLE + PLACES 87 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

PLUS! S P R I N G F A S H I O N Better make room in your closet—the season brings forward styles to transform your look. page 76

88 CALENDAR

by t om c on nor

on the cover

allure harbor point

cover photography by

colin miller

STAMFORD MAGAZINE MAR/APR 2020, VOL. 11, NO. 2.STAMFORD MAGAZINE is published bimonthly by Moffly Media, Inc., 205 Main St., Westport, CT 06880. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to STAMFORD MAGAZINE, P.O. BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607. stamfordmag.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HULYA KOLABAS

As garden season approaches, you’re looking for smart ideas. Here’s your seasonal guide to landscaping, gardens, perennials and more.

DO Golf practice at Zstrict; Pets a Go Go; Stamford Museum and Nature Center shoots for the stars

Norwalk Hospital is now part of Nuvance Health. A promising new health system. At Nuvance Health, we’re rethinking your healthcare experience with you and your family in mind. We let our curiosity guide us, asking the right questions, and discovering what matters to you. We’re finding new ways to fit into your life, with options for care you can trust. We invite you to experience that promise for yourself. nuvancehealth.org

digital content & MORE

mar/apr 2020

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CELEBRATING THE SCENE STEALERS OF OUR CITY

PARTY PHOTOS

SOCIAL MEDIA

Visit our galleries for more fun

THE CELEBRITY VISITS, FABULOUS FASHIONS AND MOVING MOMENTS FROM THE HOTTEST EVENTS

EVENT

Here’s your chance to ask the influencers your own questions. Our event—WOMEN IN BUSINESS: A SOCIAL MEDIA EXCHANGE—features a discussion with them. Network, make friends and learn the tricks to being social-media savvy. Save the Date: May 14. womeninbusinessfc.com

PLUS! BUY LOCAL Scoop up great finds from local makers and crafters on our site: connecticutcollective.com.

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PHOTOS OF GREENWICH RIDING AND TRAILS ASSOCIATION BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE/JENNA BASCOM; SIDEBAR IMAGE BY ©KASPARS GRINVALDS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

In the May/June issue, we get social with our first-ever feature on SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS. What’s the secret to Instagram success? These local digital pros tell us what they do and why it works.

LUXURY APARTMENTS AT HARBOR POINT, CT

WELCOME TO A NEW WAY OF LIVING.

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Successful Real Estate Sales Demands Hard Work Your Choice of a Real Estate Professional is Easy

16 years of successful real estate experience $240,000,000 in sales ~ 30 annual transactions

vol. 11 | no. 2 | mar/apr 2020 creative director Amy Vischio executive editor Cristin Marandino

editorial editor

Diane Talbot Sembrot market editor Megan Gagnon editoral advisor Donna Moffly assistant editor Joey Macari contributing editors Elizabeth Hole–custom publishing Julee Kaplan–new canaan • darien Cristin Marandino–greenwich copy editors Terry Christofferson, David Podgurski contributing writers Christy Colasurdo, Tom Connor, Kim-Marie Evans, Chris Hodenfield, Elizabeth Keyser, Judy Ostrow, Scott Thomas, Georgette Yacoub editorial advisory board Harry Day, Juanita James, PJ Kennedy Jamie Krug, Michael Marchetti, Arthur Selkowitz Jami Sherwood, Lou Ursone

Personalized Service* Local Expertise* Global Exposure

art senior art director

Garvin Burke

senior art director Venera Alexandrova

“What is most important to Barbara is what is most important to her clients. She understands that real estate is about people and not just houses. Barbara thrived on helping our family navigate the entire process with care and getting the deals efficiently to the closing table.” ~Chris Micka

contributing art directors Tim Carr–fairfield living Kim Gilby–new canaan • darien production director Kerri Rak design assistant Taylor Stroili cover photographer Emma Rose Connolly

digital media digital media manager Amber Scinto digital editor Diane Sembrot Calendar@MofflyMedia.com Editor@StamfordMag.com Weddings@StamfordMag.com

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vol. 11 | no. 2 | mar/apr 2020

publisher

Karen Kelly-Micka publisher-at-large Jonathan W. Moffly

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Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning

International Estate and Tax Planning

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TRUSTS AND ESTATES

Is not just something we do; it is what we do. WILLS AND TRUSTS WEALTH TRANSFER TAX PLANNING PHILANTHROPY DAVIDSON, DAWSON & CLARK LLP COUNSELLORS AT LAW 60 East 42nd Street New York, NY 212-557-7700

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event managers Rachel Shorten Amy Sinclair partnership manager Kathleen Godbold strategic marketing director Wendy Horwitz creative services art director Molly Cottingham marketing & event interns

Katie Fehrenbaker, Nicole Frankenfield, Nicole Freitas, Lauren Ritchey

business president Jonathan W. Moffly vice president/editorial & design Amy Vischio vice president/treasurer/business manager Elena Moffly cofounders John W. Moffly IV & Donna C. Moffly PUBLISHERS OF FAIRFIELD LIVING, GREENWICH, NEW CANAAN • DARIEN, STAMFORD, WESTPORT and athome magazines 205 Main Street Westport, CT 06880 phone: 203-222-0600 mail@mofflymedia.com

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editor’s letter

MARCH/APRIL 2020 / DIANE TALBOT SEMBROT

FEELS LIKE HOME

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and built group residences. From luxury spaces with dramatic views to people-loving community-focused living to condos with designer style, they are, collectively, a sign of forward movement on the real estate scene. We hear people moving to Stamford want new, new, new—and amenities—and they have plenty of options. What does this change mean for longtime homeowners? How do these developments impact single-family homes here? We asked the pros, and I think you’ll be surprised by the answers we heard. See “Moving On.” You might also be wondering if it’s financially wise to make an investment in your home. We knocked on the doors of homeowners who have been featured in our pages over the past decade and asked how their interior design and garden changes feel now—two, four, ten years down the line. “Home Again,” by Judy Ostrow, is a peek inside some of the area’s most beautiful properties. They offer plenty of inspiration to those thinking about making a few changes around the house—not as big as Stamford itself is seeing, just refreshing the most important part of it to you: your home. Whether you are newly settled in Stamford or part of its ongoing story, I hope you, too, are collecting many wonderful memories here.

diane.sembrot@moffly.com

WILLIAM TAUFIC

t’s a perfect spring day, and I’m holding my grandfather’s hand. It’s the size of a well-worn baseball glove—with that rough yet somehow soft feel of one, too. My little seven-year-old hand holds tight. He’s walking my sister and me to a toy store in Stamford to get whatever we want—literally anything in the shop. How much more happiness could my childsized heart contain? Of course, that was a long time ago—and that store around the corner has changed over a few times—but it lives on in my childhood memories. I know things move on. The story continues. Yet as much as Stamford has changed, there are parts of the townturned-city that are almost perfectly the same. For those moments around town (I’ll work on calling it city), I’m grateful. They cut through time, and I am able to drop back years to when I was picking out a dress with my mother or going on a grocery run with my grandmother. Then there are other parts of the city (no, really, city) that are utterly transformed. There have been enough changes as to make some former landmarks unrecognizable—I’m looking at you Hole in the Ground…Mill River…Harbor Point. I often talk about the skyline changing (just take a peek out of the window in the cover shot), but it’s even more dramatic by foot. Is this our Stamford? In this issue, we walk through three new developments: Allure at Harbor Point, Urby, and Ainslie Square—one on the water, one in the buzz of downtown, and one on the edge of suburban living. Each literally broke ground

FINDING A PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR IS EASIER THAN EVER. Stamford Health Medical Group believes primary care is important for keeping you and your loved ones healthy. With more than 130 primary care physicians and specialists across Fairfield County, we make it easy for you to find a doctor close to home. We offer flexible hours that fit your schedule, and we accept most health insurance plans. To make an appointment, visit StamfordHealth.org/PrimaryCare or call 888.898.4876.

DARIEN • GREENWICH • NEW CANAAN • NORWALK • RIVERSIDE • STAMFORD • WILTON

CITY CHIC

APRIL 30, 2020 | 6-9PM | GARY WENDT TEEN CENTER 347 STILLWATER AVENUE, STAMFORD, CT 06902 This year, City Chic will take place in our brand-new Gary Wendt Teen Center! The “Building Great Futures” themed cocktail party will feature delectable creations from David’s Catering, signature drinks, an awards presentation, live and silent auctions, and entertainment from our Club kids. It’s a one-time only grand opening celebration you will not want to miss! Individual Tickets: $250 Purchase at: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/CityChic For Sponsorship Opportunities Contact: Sam Gordon, Director of Development at sgordon@bgcastamford.org KARYN WARD EVENT CHAIR

MOFFLY MEDIA MEDIA SPONSOR

buzz STATUS REPORT

left: A peek behind the glamour of the bright lights right: Keep your eye on Talia Robinson, making her debut on Broadway in a big way

THE BIG SHOT

STAMFORD’S TALIA ROBINSON MAKES HER BROADWAY DEBUT IN DEAR EVAN HANSON by joey macari

HEADSHOT BY MATTHEW MURPHY

tamford’s Talia Robinson was on the road with the national tour of Les Miserables when she got the call. After she submitted a self-tape and went in for callbacks, the cast list was up, and Talia made the cut. She would be stepping in as the Zoe/Alana understudy for Dear Evan Hanson at the Music Box Theatre on Broadway. A Westhill High School graduate and Curtain Call alum, Talia received her BFA in musical theater from Emerson College and has been on the fast track to stardom ever since. After her Broadway debut this past fall, Talia took a breather to talk to Stamford magazine about finding a home with the cast, preparing for a big show and recalling good times in the Stamford arts community. What was the audition process like for Dear Evan Hansen? The audition process was very spread out! Over the course of about a year, I sent in self tapes and flew into New York while on tour for call-backs for different productions of the show— tour, broadway, etc. I did sides and songs for Alana and Zoe at almost all of them. In July of this year, I did a final callback and was very excited to receive the “yes” about a week later.

on Broadway at age fourteen, so my teenage heart was bursting. I remember wanting to have fun even though I was stressed. More than anything, I wanted to make my mother proud.

What did you feel that first night you went on as Zoe? When I got the call that I was going on that night, I ran around my apartment screaming for about fifteen minutes. It was very unexpected and extremely exciting. I called my mom and one of my best friends and got them tickets to the show. It felt absolutely surreal. I decided I wanted to be in theater and

Did the cast and crew give you advice before your debut? They told me to have fun and soak in the moment. They were extremely supportive. I’m so lucky to have had this incredible moment in my life with them.

How do you warm up for a show? I like to steam the night before. I drink lots of water and do vocal warmups a couple hours before as well. I love to drink coconut water, too!

How did your background in Stamford theater prepare you for this kind of role?

MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

Having the opportunity to start performing as a young girl in Stamford was absolutely a foundation that my love for theater was built on. I was always in a show while in middle school and high school. The friends and teachers I’ve had continued to encourage me to follow my passion and pursue it relentlessly. What’s your favorite Curtain Call show? My favorite show and memory was from Once on This Island. I played the character of Ti Moune in the show, and I had such a wonderful time that on the last night, as I was getting strapped into the harness that would lift me in the “tree”—it’s hard to explain if you don’t know the show—I burst into happy tears. What’s your dream role? To originate a brilliant role on Broadway!

buzz

FACE FACTS

SKINCEUTICALS SKINLAB BOUTIQUE OPENS AT HARBOR POINT by joey macari

top and bottom: Inside the new holistic skincare destination SkinCeuticals SkinLab at Harbor Point. It includes a Dermablend Professional® makeup finishing station for touchups following treatments. middle: Dr. Kim Nichols, a board-certified dermatologist, and her team provide aesthetic services.

stamfordmag.com

smile, a twinkle in the eye and that expression you make when you take the first sip of morning coffee defines your personality, your zest for life and your lifestyle. They don’t call it the “moneymaker” for nothing. Dermatologist Dr. Kim Nichols of NicholsMD of Greenwich knows the importance of great skin and great professional care. That’s why in February, she and her team opened SkinCeuticals SkinLab™ in Harbor Point. This state-of-the-art, holistic skincare destination is designed to make skincare a fundamental part of your beauty regimen. Dr. Nichols, a Harvard- and New York University– trained and board-certified dermatologist, opened her Greenwich practice in 2013. A Greenwich resident, she was featured on TV programs such as The Dr. Oz Show and in the pages of health-and-beauty magazines, including Women’s Health. After years of Stamford residents crossing town lines for her services, the physician decided it was high-time Stamford had its own destination. SkinLab™ is a collaboration with the brand SkinCeuticals and boasts “great skin made easy.” The opening marks the first health-care destination at street level of Harbor Point Road. “SkinCeuticals SkinLab™ not only marks an exciting, brand-first retail opportunity for SkinCeuticals to engage with the aesthetic enthusiast alongside our partner physicians,” says Christina Fair, general manager of SkinCeuticals, “but also with consumers who are new to the brand, the skincare-obsessed industry, and medical aesthetics in an approachable way.” Expect personalization. Your first visit begins with the SkinCeuticals exclusive SkinScope LED diagnostic, a device that uses a simulated daylight mode for reviewing visible concerns and a LED-UV light mode for identifying underlying skin damage. Then, you are advised on the treatments, such as topicals, injections, laser treatments, dermaplanning and contouring. You can also pick up recommended creams, gels and antioxidants to use at home. More at kimnicholsmd.com/nicholsmd-at-harbor-point.

CONTRIBUTED BY SKINCEUTICALS

“For some, getting a handle on their skincare woes and understanding the terminology is mind-boggling. However, dr. nichols and her team make diagnosing your issues understandable and efficient.”

Heaven in ConneCtiCut Far from the madding crowd, in the Litchfield Hills, lies a quiet getaway. Set on 113 acres and bordering extensive woods and lakes, Winvian Farm was created to recharge and indulge. The five-star cuisine, the wines, the spa and the service are as unexpected as the experiences that one ultimately enjoysâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just around the corner.

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buzz

LESSONS FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB IN THE WORLD ideas and new energy to take SJPC to the next level. That would free me up to work on replicating this model in other cities and towns.”

arents don’t get manuals, yet some are open to learning. On the tenth anniversary of Saint Joseph Parenting Center (sjpcenter.org), a nonsectarian nonprofit in Stamford, we asked founder and board member Measi O’Rourke about its work. Find out more by attending its Annual Spring Breakfast, with guest speaker Bobby Valentine, on April 22, during Child Abuse and Prevention Month.

dad with a case manager who will advocate for their rights as a father. All of this is done in the best interest of the child.” Are parents referred to your organization or is it open to anyone? “Our programs are open to all parents. Some parents come voluntarily. This is more common among our Spanishspeaking moms and dads. They seem to be longing for community and find SJPC a safe and happy place to come to. We get referrals from DCF, the courts, the public schools, Optimus and various other community partners. We have parents coming from Bridgeport down to the Bronx, and all the cities and towns in between. That is one of our arguments for opening centers in other locations. It is difficult for some of these parents to get to Stamford. We believe we need to go to the parent, not the parent come to us, in an effort to support them and decrease their already stressful life.”

Does one parenting issue come up frequently? “Honestly, I believe the biggest issue is healthy relationships. Most of our parents are single parents and do not have the support of their child’s other parent. Single parenting can be done, but it comes with a lot more effort and challenges every step of the way. Also, a large percentage of our parents were abused themselves or grew up experiencing childhood domestic violence. Adults that have experience are seventy-four times more likely to commit a violent crime. This is what is meant by the cycle of abuse.”

SJPC has been open for ten years. Has its purpose changed? “The mission and vision have not changed over the past ten years. I believe that is part of our success. We have remained true to our mission and very focused. We do not try to do it all, nor do we do what others are already doing. What we do, we do well. Our mission is to strengthen families that are at risk of child abuse and neglect by providing parenting education and support. Our vision is that all children live in a world free of abuse and neglect. Imagine that!”

You have a program for fathers? “SJPC has always been father friendly. It makes sense. A child is half mother, half father. We know the research behind the importance of having both a mother and a father involved in a child’s life and all our programs support that research. In 2013, the state Department of Children and Families came to me inquiring about how we had so many dads in our program and asked if we would run an additional program exclusive to fathers. We agreed to purchase and run the 24/7 Dad program developed by the National Fatherhood Initiative. This is a twelveweek closed program offered to dads only. It has been a great success, and we have received so much positive feedback from the fathers that have gone through the program.”

Why step down as executive director? “From day one, I have believed that SJPC should and could be a national model. Running SJPC in Stamford is a full-time job that did not avail me any time to work on expansion and growth beyond the Stamford center. After ten years of growing SJPC from $50,000 of seed money to a well-governed $1 million organization, I felt it was time for a generational change. I did not want to be that founder that didn’t know when it was time to leave. I felt a new executive director would bring in new

What sets it apart? “There is never a wait. If a dad wants to get involved in our center, he can, immediately. If the 24/7 Dad program has already started, the dad can join our General Parenting program while waiting for the next session for the 24/7 Dad program to start. Most important, our program gives dads a venue to talk about fatherhood. This is not something dads do naturally in their everyday environment. It is amazing to watch them articulate their passion for their children freely with other men. It is a beautiful thing. We also team up each

by diane sembrot

What is it like for a parent on the first visit? “Most parents who walk through our doors are in some sort of crisis. They are scared, often angry and defensive. Our core value at SJPC is that we love them first. With no judgement of where they are or where they have been, we welcome them with open arms. Our first priority is to help them meet their family’s concrete needs if necessary: food, clothing, shelter, etc. That is a fundamental of parenting—making sure your children are in a safe environment with food and clothing. No parenting class will make a difference if you do not have the basics to live.” What’s next? “Our next goal is to build a rapport and we know that will take time. There will be little transformation or behavioral change on the parents’ side until they can trust us. That is the significance of the longevity of our model. We tell the parents that SJPC will support them until their youngest child is twelve years old. We call them every six months to see how they are doing if they have not been coming to class. Many of our parents that have completed the programs come back to speak with a case manager and repeat classes as a refresher. In our eyes, that is success.”

stamfordmag.com

kid sized Healthy eating for kids is as easy as 5-2-1-0, a memory tool to promote daily goals. Its thanks to Stamford Hospital’s KIDS’ FANS (Fitness and Nutrition Services), behavioral modification and lifestyle programs for ages pre-K to high school. See more at stamfordhealth.org/kidsfans.

or more vegetables and fruits

hours or less of recreational screen time

hour or more of physical activity

sugary drinks (instead, have water)

O’ROURKE, CONTRIBUTED; GLASS OF WATER ©ANDREY KUZMIN - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; IPAD ©JUNCE11 - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; CARROTS ©KOMPOR - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; PEAR ©PIXAHUB - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; GRAPEFRUIT ©ROMAN SAMOKHIN - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; PEPPER AND ARTICHOKE ©MIKE MELESKI - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

PARENTING SCHOOL

YA R D TO TA B LE

WE SOW THE SEEDS, YOU REAP THE REWARDS

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Going to a concierge doctor means you have access to 24/7 on-call care.

CONCIERGE CONVERTS with higher technology and a very personal touch.” Going concierge allows Karol to carefully limit how many patients she sees, which enables her to listen closely and do diagnostics in the office instead of sending people to many specialists or for unnecessary testing. Dr. Puglisi cites one example how concierge care can be life changing. He mentions a 55-year-old male patient who was obese,

PRIVATE PRACTICE

Pros and cons of going concierge PROS ●

24/7 on-call physician care ●

Personalized attention and detailed wellness plans

●

Insurance coverage for some tests, procedures and medications

CONS ●

Pay an annual membership fee

●

You will likely need to have a health insurance plan in addition to the concierge doctor Most large insurance plans will not cover concierge services

●

here’s a good deal of buzz surrounding “concierge” medicine, as well as an equal amount of debate about whether it’s a service that only the wealthy can afford. Recently, we sat down with a couple of concierge doctors to separate fact from fiction. Dr. Glen Puglisi, cofounder of Glenville Medical Concierge in Greenwich, says he started his practice five years ago because he was searching for a way to provide more time for his patients. He saw a concierge practice as a way to do just that. “While the concierge model has fully delivered on that promise, the benefits have been even more profound than I originally envisioned,” he says. “My relationships with patients, nurtured with undivided attention and a deepening knowledge of what’s going on in their lives, have grown to the point where I consider each a member of my extended family—and I care for them in just that way.” Similarly, Dr. Nina Karol at Concierge Physicians of Westport says her decision to go concierge occurred as a result of factors affecting medical care across the country. “The increased pressure to see more than 20 patients daily and document every detail in a cumbersome electronic record culminated in some burnout,” she says. “I wanted to get more control over my medical career and derive more enjoyment from seeing my patients. My partners and I wanted to run a new practice more like an old-fashioned medical one, but

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prediabetic, and sedentary when he first visited. The concierge practice allowed time for them to work together on a wellness plan, with constant communication and ongoing monitoring. “We completely reversed the course of his condition,” he explains. “He lost 25 pounds as a result of eating and exercising very differently than he had previously. He is no longer prediabetic, dramatically decreased his risk of cardiovascular disease, and most importantly, is enjoying all the benefits of a fuller, more vibrant life. Being able to achieve that transformation is the greatest reward of being a concierge physician.” So, are there any downsides? “As soon as you say the word ‘concierge,’ people assume this is a service only for the very wealthy,” Dr. Karol says. “We all pay a lot for our medical insurance, me included. What people do not understand is if something goes wrong, how important it is to have a personal guide helping to steer you. Not having a caring, involved doctor is like trying to navigate choppy seas in the dark without a boating license when you are at your most vulnerable. Our practice accepts insurance and is in-network, something patients do not associate with ‘concierge’ care.” While all concierge practices structure their fees individually, most of them assess an annual membership fee, typically around $2,500, and also submit bills to insurance.

PHOTO BY © LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

A NEW TREND IN PERSONALIZED MEDICINE IS NOT JUST FOR THE ULTRA WEALTHY by christ y c ol asurd o

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So, bigger does not always mean better, but this light fixture is fabulously enormous. Once you find a room large enough to accommodate it, you’ll be set. $1,999

Do not let the fact that you don’t own a beach house or live near the ocean stop you from displaying this delightful —and kitschy in a perfect way—seashell mirror. $695

GREENWICH LIVING ANTIQUES & DESIGN CENTRE It’s vintage. It’s French. It will make just about anywhere you hang it feel fancy. Empire-style crystal chandelier, circa 1920s; $4,365 stamfordmag.com

UNITED HOUSE WRECKING No fireplace? No problem. This marble mantle would become the focal point of any room, hearth or not. Price upon request

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARVIN BURKE; CHANDELIE, CONTRIBUTED

tuck with an empty (or full but sad) room and unsure where to start? Why not go big? Search for showstopper finds that have the power to transform instantly or become the jumping-off point for any space. With all of the stress and detail-fixation that inevitably follows any project, you might as well have something in the mix that makes you smile every time you see it. And if you think you have to travel the globe to stumble upon these treasures, you’d be mistaken (but feel free to use this as your excuse to book your next trip). There are plenty of local spots worthy of exploration right in our own backyard. Here, picks from a few places to get you excited about adding that wow-factor to your home.

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SEAS THE DAY FINDING THE MAGIC IN MAUI IS ABOUT FAR MORE THAN THE

undreds of guidebooks have been penned promising visitors access to the “real” or “hidden” Hawaii. They include advice on where to find secret waterfalls and unspoiled beaches, and which stop on the Road to Hana will lead to the “Hawaii of your dreams.” The thing these guidebooks miss—and it’s at the heart of experiencing authentic Hawaii—is meeting the Hawaiians themselves. There is a Hawaiian word, mana, that means the life energy that flows through all things and humans. Though I have traveled to this remote island chain

many times, I had never experienced mana. Until, as unlikely as it sounds, I checked into a very special beachfront hotel on Maui. Kaliko Storer’s title is Cultural Advisor at the Andaz Maui. However, it’s not possible to reduce what she does to a simple title. To those of us with scant knowledge of Hawaiian history, this role could seem unnecessary. As I peppered her with trite questions about where to find the elusive real Hawaii that stamford magazine readers would be eager to visit, she gently returned me to the same answer again and again. Meet the people, sit, listen, be. I had a lot to learn.

MICHAEL MAXWELL - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

GORGEOUS BEACHES AND STUNNING LANDSCAPE

TO DO ON-PROPERTY

BELOW: PACIFIC DREAM PHOTOGRAPHY

above: The outrigger experience is a must-do activity righ: Chef Isaac at the Andaz Maui below: Wilson Evans explores the beach

We know that Hawaii became the fiftieth state in 1959, but what many of us don’t know is that natives believe their monarchy was overthrown and their land illegally annexed. Teaching the Hawaiian language was banned until 1987. And by then, only 1 percent of the population could speak it fluently. Part of the resurgence of the local culture is the language. Kaliko’s job isn’t just teaching tourists, but also the staff. One of her many efforts is to normalize the Hawaiian language. “We have a Hawaiian word of the day program that we launched. I think it’s important to reclaim the Hawaiian names for places and other things.” Disney’s Moana taught us that ancient voyagers could navigate the stars using just their hands. Standing under the boundless night sky measuring the distance to the North Star with my palm, I learned that I could as well. Classes on celestial navigation are another of Kaliko’s educational efforts. Kala Tanaka looks a bit like Moana, young and sweet. But she is a serious Wayfinder

who guided an entire crew and hulking double-hull canoe through dark waters using nothing more than her diminutive hand. When asked how she would know if we were off course, she replied that she could feel it—in the waves and in the wind. Learn more about the legacy of ancient voyaging at hokulea.com. Though the Andaz Maui was recently voted one of the best hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, it’s not the modern design or the cascading infinity pools that make it worth a visit. The resort spans fifteen beachfront acres just up the coast from the more well-known Four Seasons Maui. The term “house reef ” is used by hotels to indicate that guests can swim to a coral reef from the property’s shore. The Andaz has a house reef, and a swim around the rocky corner reveals an entire playground of sea turtles. Though you can borrow snorkel gear and rent a kayak, you won’t meet an octopus without a little help from an expert. Book the MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

Get a Lomilomi massage at the Awili spa, ask for Jamie. The one-hour massage is $190. Add the custom oil blending experience and create your own massage oil using local ingredients; for $55 you’ll leave with your creation and the hotel will keep your recipe on file for future use. Book a Chef’s Table dinner at Ka’ana kitchen. Only four guests are seated per night and the six-course meal is created “a la

minute” for each guest and can be accompanied by expert wine pairings. Ask for Charlie the sommelier, and if you’re lucky he might pour some of his 1927 port or other rare vintages. Capture the perfect photo with a complimentary session from Pacific Dream Photography. The forty-five-minute shoot is free and guests get a $50 credit toward prints. Digital images start at $79.

TO DO OFF-PROPERTY

two-hour outrigger snorkel expedition ($139 per person). Ask if you can get on Koa’s boat. Kekoa Cramer is the beach crew manager, a competitive outrigger canoe rower and erstwhile sea-life whisperer. We had been in the water for about ten minutes when he swam up cradling an octopus. He assured me that as soon as he “calmed it down,” I could hold it. On a two-hour trip, we met Honu (sea turtles), octopi and all manner of tropical fish. Though the hotel offers guests complimentary new GoPro video cameras, leave it in the room for this outing. Be in the moment, and Koa will snap the photos. left: According to Open Table, Mama’s Fish House is the second-most popular restaurant in the United States. below: Rooms with a view at the Andaz Maui

GETTING THERE:

There are no direct flights to Maui from the East Coast. Either fly to Honolulu from JFK and then connect to Maui (airport code OGG) or connect through San Francisco or Los Angeles. The Andaz has 301 rooms, including thirty-five suites and eleven private villas. All rooms have a private lanai.

Eat at Mama’s Fish House. It sounds like a tourist trap, but it’s not. This iconic waterfront restaurant serves up some of the best— and most expensive— food you’ll ever eat. Reservations are hard to come by, so book early. Taxis are expensive on the island; rent a car from the hotel’s on-site Enterprise. While there, drive a mile up the road and watch the real surfers ride the waves at Ho’okipa. If you’re not an expert, don’t try to get in on the action; a lifeguard will stop you. Some lessons are learned the hard way. mamasfishhouse.com Spend the day relaxing on nearby Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach. Follow signs for Makena, the beach is through the trees. Though it’s rated the No. 1 beach in Maui, it’s not crowded and is great for boogie boarding, though the shore break can be rough. The beach has lifeguards, restrooms and food trucks.

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CONTRIBUTED; TOP PHOTOGRAPH BY ©FOTOGESTOEBER - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

above: Makena Beach is one of Hawaii’s largest undeveloped beaches—a perfect place to escape the crowds of some on Maui’s more crowded beaches.

Learn to surf in nearby Kihei. The combination of warm, shallow water and gentle rolling waves makes this the perfect place to learn. Maui Waveriders promises that you’ll stand up during your first lesson or it’s free. A private lesson, $150 for two hours, includes the board, rash guard and booties. Your glory will be captured by photographers from No Ka Oi—it’s only $30 for all your digital images. (Fun fact: historians believe the phrase “pursuit of happiness” in the constitution was inspired by surfers.) mauiwaveriders.com

Photograph by Kyle Norton

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ELECTRIFYING THE LUXE BMW’S 745E ADDS A TOUCH OF HYBRID POWER by chris hodenfield

magnificence. Our optioned-up tester had it all, including the “Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof,” the M Sport package, and luxury rear seating complete with TV monitors and massage seats. For the price, you’d expect the sound acoustics of Carnegie Hall, and Harman-Kardon Surround System does in fact present a sonic wallop. Mastering the controls was not difficult (an area in which some manufacturers have failed miserably). BMW offers other engine packages that either lessen or increase the cost. All of them feature the 7-series’ burly front

Fairfield County. Driving to the station on a cold winter’s morn, you are sparing the engine while the electric motor (which alone will take you to 80 mph) eases you silently down the road. When the EV battery is drained, the gasoline-fueled turbo 6 alone is a mighty accomplice. Long-distance drives take you past 400 miles. Normal jaunts around town will deliver a combined mileage in the mid-30s. The all-wheel-drive system adds to driver assurance. On the road, the 745e again presents two faces. For all its heft, it’s devilish fun to drive even as it coddles you in a soft leather

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grill, which is something you’d expect in a monster truck. In an era when luxurious SUVs hold sway, it is still a welcome, regal romp to light out in a swift, well-made sedan like the 745e.

STATS BMW 745E XDRIVE Base price: $95,550, as tested: $119,875 Drivetrain: 280 hp 3.0-liter turbo 6 with 111 hp electric motor. 388 hp combined. AWD EPA mileage ratings: 19 city/ 26 highway EV range: 18 miles

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MW’s new 745e delivers just what you want out of a posh German styler: an opulent interior, confidence in the curves, and hell-raising power. The “e” tag in the name signifies something else—100 horses’ worth of electric boost. The 745e is what you might call a “sorta hybrid.” Officially it’s a plug-in hybrid, although in my thoroughly wonderful week in this car, I never actually bothered to plug it in. Braking and coasting will restore juice to the EV battery, which supplies a max 18 miles of added, electric-only range. It’s a useful configuration for

The most advanced orthopedics. The most personalized touch. At Long Ridge Medical Center in Stamford, we know what it takes to help you rebound from the aches, pains and injuries of an active lifestyle. Our team, led by Yale Medicine specialists, works together to personalize treatment plans using todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most advanced procedures. And, as part of Greenwich Hospital, Long Ridge Medical Center reflects the care and compassion of one of the best community hospitals, with a singular focus on getting you back to the life you love. Services: Foot and Ankle Surgery; Hand and Wrist Surgery; Joint Replacement Surgery; Orthopedic Spine Surgery; Physiatry; Sports Medicine Long Ridge Medical Center 260 Long Ridge Road Stamford, CT 877-YALE-MDS Monday - Friday: 8 am - 8 pm Saturday: 8 am - noon No appointment needed after 5 pm and Saturday greenwichhospital.org/longridge

Craig Tifford, MD

home by diane sembrot

aybe you’re downsizing from a fourbedroom Colonial to a one-bedroom condo or maybe you just bought your first apartment. Congratulations! It’s time to make it your own—and super-functional. Making the best use of a small space is about simplified living, meaning that you keep exactly what you want and everything has a space. Because clever storage and practical organization are the two pillars of small-space success, we turned to the masters: California Closets, a business dedicated to containing stuff around the house. While its systems can take on huge projects, everything from garages and entryways to kitchens and pool houses, we zeroed in on clever options for maximizing living space. We were not disappointed by the suggestion: a Murphy bed. If you don’t know what that is, it’s a bed that folds up into the wall. Did Gene Kelly’s tight apartment in the classic film An American in Paris come to mind? Trust us, today’s version of a Murphy bed is far and beyond what was available to our grandparents. California Closets’ standard wall bed feels like a traditional bed, and you can lift it either feet up or side up (so you can hop in it from either side). The side-tilt version is a good fit for tight spaces, such as a playroom or an

top: The West End Loft offers storage and display options and includes pull-out drawers to be used as nightstands. bottom: The Bancroft Townhouse combines media center with storage and sleep.

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office. When opened, it takes up less of a footprint into the room. Usable storage is included; the mechanisms are sturdy enough to last for years; it’s easy to use; and your room or your guest room gains hidden space to use during the day. Both versions are far more than functional, too. They’re also eye-pleasing. “Our wall beds allow you to create a multifunctional room without additional space,” says Hannah Nieves, director of marketing and trade development. “Beautiful cabinetry, finishes and shelving transform a space into a comfortable sleeping area when needed. A well-designed wall bed respects the aesthetic and primary purpose of the room, allowing it to seamlessly serve two or more functions.” When deciding on a custom home-storage solution from California Closets, you would have a chance to meet with an experienced designer. This is a complimentary home visit, and the designer would ask about what you’re looking for and take room measurements. Then you would get a good picture of what the space would look like by reviewing it with its proprietary 3-D CAD software. The designer would show you what the installation would look like in your home. Finally, systems are manufactured in Shelton, and installed exactly as designed by the company’s team.

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GIVE ME ROOM M

FROM APARTMENTS TO SPARE ROOMS, DON’T SACRIFICE AN INCH OF SPACE

T H E A L Z H E I M E R ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N CO N N EC T I C U T C H A P T E R

Celebrating Hope 2020 T H E Eighth A N N U A L

K AT E A N D J I M C L A R K

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renowned flutist and former CBS news correspondent, eugenia zukerman, will share personal remarks about her journey living with alzheimer’s disease from her new memoir l i k e fa l l i n g t h r o u g h a c lo u d fo l lo w e d by a p e r fo r m a n c e o f d e b u s sy ’ s “ sy r i n x ” o n t h e f l u t e .

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TURNED UP

A NEW TWIST ON SPINDLES AND SPOOLS

5 we really l o ok t o tr aditional shapes and turned wo od for inspir ation, because these cl assic forms never go ou t of st yle. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;stacy kunstel, dunes and duchess

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Spool chandelier; $8,200. paulmarra design.com

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Gray bookcase; $299. Crate & Kids, Westport; crateandbarrel.com

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Coventry natural table lamp; $ 1,490. Lillian August, Norwalk; lillianaugust.com

Spindle leather chair; starting at $1,795. Westport; williamssonoma.com stamfordmag.com

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Artefact bobbin dining table; price upon request. century furniture.com

6 THEODORE ALEXANDER Rivera end table; $1,530. Safavieh, Stamford; safaviehhome.com

7 DUNES AND DUCHESS Classic bar; $2,650. Schwartz Design Showroom, Stamford; schwartzdesign showroom.com

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Stamford Mag AD 2020.qxp_Layout 1 1/27/20 10:35 AM Page 1

a NOVEL affair OUR 10TH YEAR

An evening of food and festivities to beneﬁt The Ferguson Library

The Ferguson Library #anovelaffair2020

CERVANTES

Friends of The Ferguson Library SL Green Realty Corp

at the Main Library, DiMattia Building, Bedford and Broad Streets, Stamford

HEMINGWAY OdysseyRe Pitney Bowes

Honoring Tom Cassone for his longstanding service to the Library and the Stamford community.

Thursday, April 23 5:30 – 8:30 pm to beneﬁt

MAJOR SPONSORS TO DATE

Tickets are $125 / sponsorships available by calling 203 351-8208. Reserve at fergusonlibrary.org or call 203 351-8205.

DICKINSON Judith Block First County Bank Silver Golub & Teitell FITZGERALD Jane Carlin & Benjamin Gifford George Comfort & Sons Garden Homes Management Stamford Health Thomson Reuters

MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

do by diane sembrot

SWING BY

GOLF PRACTICE, NO MATTER THE WEATHER golfers virtually compete against players in other countries and compete for instant cash winnings. (More than 57 million rounds are played on GOLFZON simulators in forty-six countries annually.) Find updates at zstrict.com/events. It does have a less intense side, for get-togethers or parents sneaking in practice while the kids take lessons at Chelsea Piers. The opening attracted serious talent: Top-10 U.S. golf instructor David Leadbetter, Billy Casper Golf President Alex Elmore and long-time Late Show with Letterman announcer Alan Kalter (a Stamford resident).

above: Nicole Goudey-Rigger, Dan Rigger with their dog, Winter

Good boy! The newly opened center for your pets

f you have a pampered pet, listen up: This one’s for you. The recently opened PETS A GO GO® (petsagogo.com) features a Paw Squad™ to provide customized pet care in the all-green, twentyfour-hour staffed, cage-free facility. And they're all pet parents themselves. You can choose either doggie daycare or overnight services, and the dogs can brush up on basic manners with a training session, get coiffured fur with grooming and more. For more than fifteen years, the business has served some 3,500 pet owners in Briarcliff Manor, New York. Now it has opened its second location here. “I am excited that this longtime dream of expanding Pets a Go Go has come to fruition,” noted Nicole Goudey-Rigger, CEO and owner. “We pride ourselves on the peace of mind we give pet parents, that when they close the door or get on a plane that their furbabies will be in the best of hands. We are excited to share that peace of mind with pet owners in Fairfield County.”

above: GOLFZON's first retail flagship location recently opened at Chelsea Piers CT ZSTRICT. With ten simulators, gathering space and bar, it attracts serious golfers as well as get-togethers for happy hour, corporate outings and birthday parties.

GAME CHANGER

The folks at ZSTRICT told Stamford magazine that shoulder rotation is a main aspect of the swing that amateur golfers need to work on (not that we were doing it wrong, of course). Making sure your back faces the target in your back swing for full potential on swinging through the ball. Then repeat until perfect. stamfordmag.com

above: Coming in from recreation time outdoors at Pets a Go Go, a pet-care center newly opened in Stamford

PHOTOS: GOLF BALL ©2DMOLIER - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; ZSTRICT, CONTRIBUTED; PETS A GO GO BY GEOFF TISCHMAN

ain, golf. Cold, golf. Wind, golf. The sacrifices golfers make for their sport are impressive. But we just learned their secret: ZSTRICT at Chelsea Piers Connecticut. The newly opened 11,000-square-foot sports-and-entertainment venue with ten golf simulators to perfect their swing comfortably. (The “z” stands for in the zone with GOLFZON [pronounced golf-zone] technology, and “strict” is from district, for the urban vibe). Serious golfers taking lessons can work hard, then relax and socialize. There are also ongoing exclusive XTOUR tournaments, in which

n case you thought the Stamford Museum and Nature Center (SM&NC; stamfordmuseum.org) was all about the earth and human’s history here, think again. They’re reaching for the stars. Located on 118 beautiful acres in North Stamford and open to the community since 1936, SM&NC’s future is limitless. It is making strides in Phase 2 of its expansion plans: a new Astronomy & Physical Science Center. At 8,000-square-feet, it will expand SM&NC’s observatory with a full planetarium and create a new venue. It will feature three levels: first, a 100-seat planetarium auditorium with state-of-the-art technology; second, a science lab classroom; and third, an outdoor viewing deck that leads up to a forty-foot aluminum dome over a twenty-two-inch research telescope. SM&NC’s recently formed Science Advisory Council will help guide the center’s design and development. The council includes area educational leaders and ex officio members U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Rep. Jim Himes. “It is rewarding to have secured the commitment of such well-known and well-respected leaders in the educational and science communities,” noted Melissa H. Mulrooney, executive director and CEO. “We believe that their expert counsel will have a

STAMFORD MUSEUM AND NATURE CENTER IS EYEING THE STARS

tremendous impact on the development of our building, public programming and science curriculum moving forward and enhance the reputation and visibility of the Astronomy & Physical Science Center.” Each year, some 200,000 people from the area visit SM&NC, and nearly an additional 34,800 students from 158 schools participate in its Aligned-With-The-Schools program. The new center means the museum can enrich its student curriculum, youth and family programs and adult programming and serve as a center for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and astronomy and math) education. The center and the Knobloch Family Farmhouse are part of the master plan to anticipate future needs for the museum’s educational and public spaces. SM&NC has raised about $9.5 million of the estimated $15 million to cover the projects. “With the grand opening of the farmhouse last November, we are focused on Phase 2 of our campaign plan to raise the necessary funds to develop the Astronomy & Physical Science Center—a profound educational resource not just for the region, but the entire State of Connecticut,” noted Michael Fedele, cochair of the capital campaign: The Campaign for Future Generations. Groundbreaking is planned for fall.

LEADERSHIP The council’s distinguished educational leaders from across the region include: DR. JOEL ADELBERG Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Bedford Central School District DR. MARCEL AGÜEROS Associate Professor of Astronomy, Columbia University DR. STEPHON ALEXANDER Professor of Physics, Brown University & President, National Society of Black Physicists DR. MICHAEL ALFANO Dean College of Education, Sacred Heart University DR. SARBANI BASU Chair of the Department of Astronomy, Yale University MARY PAT COBURN Science Educator, Smith Middle School & Chair, CT Science Teacher Association DR. TONI JONES Superintendent, Greenwich Public Schools AMY BELDOTTI Associate Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, Stamford Public Schools DR. BARRETT WELLS Department Head and Professor of Physics, UCONN

above: A rendering of the Astronomy & Physical Science Center planned for the Stamford Museum and Nature Center

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RENDERING OF THE ASTRONOMY & PHYSICAL SCIENCE CENTER BY TSKP STUDIO HARTFORD, CT

SKY'S THE LIMIT

REACH Prep’s

Co-chairs: Bia Bettamio, Judy Collins & Nisha Hurst

Monday, April 27, 2020

Join us at our Annual Beneﬁt Luncheon to help us empower our students to achieve unmatched outcomes and become future leaders. For over 25 years, REACH Prep has been opening doors for our Scholars and positively impacting not only their lives, but the lives of their families and the communities in which they live, learn and work.

ANNUAL BENEFIT LUNCHEON Hyatt Regency Greenwich 1800 E. Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich, CT 11:30 a.m.

To purchase tickets, host a table or be a sponsor, visit www.reachprep.org, email development@reachprep.org or call 203.487.0750.

BUILDING CONNECTIONS for HEALTHY MINDS A SYMPOSIUM ON MENTAL HEALTH MARCH 5, 2020

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ADVOCATE & BROADWAY STAR Join the daughter of beloved star Judy Garland to get inspired by her story of healing, and be part of building a network of care in our community.

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eat left: The mouthwatering Crab Rangoon Tostada with sweet-and-sour sauce. right: The refreshments are just as delicious as they look.

WHO'S YOUR TACO DADDY? TACO DADDY PUTS “GRINGO TACOS” ON THE MAP

When they signed the lease for Taco Daddy, John and Morgan realized they had less than a month to start marketing their new venture. “We decided to do so by letting Dallas’s [Instagram] followers know she was opening a restaurant! We eventually switched over her handle from @dallasthewalpig to @tacodaddystamford and most people loved it…although we definitely made some dog lovers unhappy.” Fear not, though: Dallas is still very much a regular on the feed. The space is open, airy, and sprinkled with original artwork by Morgan’s sister, Deven, and

he story of Taco Daddy, one of Stamford’s newest culinary additions, started with a dog named Dallas. Dallas is half shar-pei, half bulldog mix who became an Instagram celebrity for her quirky personality and endless wrinkles. Dallas’ parents are husband-and-wife restauranteurs John and Morgan Nealon. Together, they have been crafting the concept of Taco Daddy because they felt that it was something Stamford really needed. When they discovered the Harlan Social space was available, they took the leap.

stamfordmag.com

PHOTOGRAPHS: CONTRIBUTED

by georget te yac oub

M O F F LY M E D I A

GOLD COAST C O N N E C T I C U T • 2020

The nominations are in! Now it’s time to

VOTE for your favorite local businesses for Best of the Gold Coast BESTOFGOLDCOASTCT.COM Voting ends MARCH 15

BECOME A SPONSOR: Contact your Moffly Media representative

eat INSIDER'S TIP

The new dish that puts to shame your former go-to

above: The Crunchwrap Supreme takes care of your hungriest moments

Stamford mag took the local hint and checked out Taco Daddy’s best-not-kept secrets. Ask for the CRUNCHWRAP SUPREME,

design accents by her mom, Elizabeth. “The branding and decor of this space was meant to reflect how we wanted people to feel in it: relaxed, at a place that feels like an extension of their living room.” As for the food, that’s where Taco Daddy really shines. The menu is sprinkled with super nontraditional tacos, a concept that some have referred to as “gringo tacos.” Taco Daddy basically takes familiar flavors that work really well together and puts them in a beautiful nixtamal tortilla. Think “Spicy Chicken Taco,” a taco filled with fried chicken, jack cheese, bacon and spicy aoli. Or consider “El Reuben,” which is corned beef,

melted Swiss, sauerkraut, cabbage and Russian dressing. The concept is meant to keep things fun and lively, but the execution is serious taste. Bring your biggest appetite. The drink menu is filled with super easydrinking cocktails that, naturally, are as Instagram-friendly as the food. One destined to become a favorite is “Queen of the Streets,” a pretty concoction of strawberries, oranges, vodka and bubbles to top it off. Taco Daddy is a welcome addition to the Stamford food scene for its unconventional menu, relaxed vibe and, of course, the portrait of Dallas that hangs up proudly on the wall. The Choco S’mores Tacos don’t hurt either.

an item you won’t find on the menu. It was created when owner John Nealon had a late-night taco craving. It’s a fresh and elevated take on a fast-food version. We were also the first to test out the Chicken-Carp Quesadilla, an Italian-meets-Tex-Mex masterpiece. Vinegary, cheesy, fantastic. Also, take our advice and check out the fun games in the main room—you’ll be entertained for hours. —Joey Macari

“the branding and decor of this space were meant to reflect how we wanted people to feel in it: relaxed, at a place that feels like an extension of their living room.” —morgan nealon

stamfordmag.com

PHOTOGRAPHS: CONTRIBUTED

top, left: The best messiness ever: Shrimp Alfredo Tostados for happy hour, 4–6 p.m. top, right: Follow Taco Daddy on Instagram @tacodaddystamford to keep up with Dallas bottom, left: A whipped-cream-and-chocolate sweet treat for Sunday brunch every day. bottom, right: A savory Lomo saltado, a traditional Peruvian dish that includes strips of marinated sirloin, onions, tomatoes and french fries.

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We welcome wedding announcements together with candid photographs. Weddings should have a current Stamford family connection and must be submitted within three months of the wedding day. Regretfully, we are unable to run every wedding submitted.

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eat

BACK TO NATURE

NAKED FIG TAKES ON THE ART OF VEGAN EVENTS by eliz abeth keyser and create Naked Fig events, while Jeffrey Selden is running the planning and execution. “Seventy percent of the recipes are Matthew’s,” Selden says, “And about 30 percent are ours. We know the catering world, and it’s different from what Matthew Kenney does in restaurants,” she says. “We needed to create one-bite hors d’oeuvres.” Cooking Kenney’s recipes re-ingited her passion. “Matthew’s food is exquisite and sophisticated,” she says. At a recent launch party for Naked Fig in MSC’s NYC event space, guests tasted mini raw zucchini lasagna, sweet pea falafel, and kelp noodle cacio e pepe. Plant-based eating is not a trend, Selden says, it’s the future. “I would love our clients who aren’t vegan to have one of these Naked Fig events,” she says, “and surprise their guests.”

PHOTOGRPAHY: FOOD © ADRIAN MUELLER; PARTY BY PHILLIP VAN NOSTRAND PHOTOGRAPHY

hen Marcia Selden Catering (MSC) got a call from Matthew Kenney Cuisine, looking for a partner to expand his plant-based restaurant empire into the world of high-end catering, it was a fullcircle moment. Robin Selden, MSC’s managing partner and executive chef, was a fan of the chef since the ’90s, when he opened Matthew’s on the Upper East Side of NYC. She and her friends would eat there, enjoying the food, and moments when the handsome chef, named Best New Chef by Food and Wine in 1994, said hello. Since then, Kenney has devoted himself to raw and plant-based cuisine. He’s opened many restaurants nationally and internationally (now operating thirtynine, according to his website), including Double Zero. He’s published ten books, including Everyday Raw. Meanwhile, last June MSC catered a vegan wedding for 300 in Greenwich. The guests, even the meat-and-potato types, were blown away. “Wait a minute. This is vegan?!” Naked Fig, the partnership between Stamford-based MSC and California-based Kenney, will create luxury, plant-based, vegan party food for catered events across the country and in Canada. Robin Selden will lead the culinary team that’ll execute

Naked Fig Catering, a culinary brand from Marcia Selden Catering and Matthew Kenney Cuisine, celebrated its launch at Above Twelve (a Marcia Selden exclusive NYC event space). The party, called Garden of Eden, served plant-based cuisine.

stamfordmag.com

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All proceeds benefit inspirica's mission of breaking the cycle of homelessness by helping people achieve - and maintain - permanent housing and stability in their lives. stamfordmag.com

people&PLACES by joey macari

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MIGGS BURROUGHS 1

LIGHTING THE WAY STAR GALA / Star, Inc.

All STAR

O 9

ver 300 guests attended the 18th annual STAR Gala and auction to benefit STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way. The event, held at Woodway Country Club in Darien, raised over $350,000 for programs helping people impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Fairfield County. Guests enjoyed cocktails, delectable hors d’oeuvres and a bountiful Mediterraneanthemed dinner. Heartwarming testimonials by STAR participants and family members were the highlights of the event as they described the impact STAR donors make on their lives. Professional auctioneer CK Swett led the live and silent auctions, which included one-of-a-kind experiences and luxury items. »

1 Assaf (former STAR Board President) and Rebecca Ben-Atar with Johanna and Tyler Kremberg 2 Stacey Kurtis and Curtis Lueker 3 John and Debbie Tomsky 4 Sara and Peter Tucker 5 Katherine Ross and Miggs Burroughs 6 Victoria, Wyatt and Brett Davis 7 Doree and Robert Levy 8 Leigh and Nancy Overland 9 Candace and Mickey Herbst 10 Richard and Nina Bentley MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

people 1

25TH ANNUAL GALA / Reach Prep

Reach Out

EACH Prep celebrated a significant milestone marking twenty-five years of service at its 25th Anniversary Gala. Over 300 people gathered at Abigail Kirsch at The Loading Dock in Stamford to enjoy a fabulous menu of seasonal cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner, and a live auction with Robbie Gordy from Christie’s New York. The program highlighted speeches from alumni and scholars, as well as REACH Prep’s featured speaker, Carlos Brito, CEO of AB InBev, whose inspiring story resonated in a meaningful way with REACH Prep’s work and larger mission to bring education to underserved students in the area. The organization has raised nearly $900,000 in recognition of the anniversary thanks to the outpouring of support received at the gala and the weeks leading up to it. » stamfordmag.com

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ELAINE UBIÑA

1 Odirin Ayanruoh, Liany Otero, Alexandra Steel Scott, Elizabeth Steel and Basia Dworak 2 Skyler Serenbetz and John McGonigle 3 Lela and Tom Philip 4 Heather and Dan Mosley with Abby Gerry 5 Roddy and Christina Tilt with Suzanne and Jim Cabot 6 Gina Lucas and Senator Richard Blumenthal 7 Jim and Missy O’Shaughnessy 8 Trish Davies, Kathy Georges, Grant Barnhart, Lindsey Kelt and Jasmine Paulino 9 Todd and Katie Boehly

people 10

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ELAINE UBIÃ&#x2018;A

10 Alex, Manuela and Bia Bettamio 11 Kim and Mary Jeffery with Linda and Bill Ogden 12 Neil Augustine and Carl Jean-Pierre 13 Maxx, Keith and Tracy Grossman 14 Jack and Hollie Franke with Lauren and Patrick Shaughnessy 15 Featured speaker Carlos Brito takes to the podium 16 Standout red accented tablescape 17 Alex Bettamio, Belinda Badcock, Carlos Brito, Cecil Reid and Jetson Leder-Luis 18 Leonardo and Camilla Gazal, Christine Brito, Jill and Miguel Patricio and Belinda and Simon Badcock MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

people 1

ANNUAL PACIFIC HOUSE GALA / Pacific House

Full House

acific House hosted a successful and festive 18th Annual Pacific House Gala at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich. The event raised funds to support the essential services provided by the organization, including an emergency shelter for men and young adults and a steadily expanding portfolio of deeply affordable supportive housing. Round Hill Community Church of Greenwich was honored with the Pacific House Community Award for its substantial support. Stamford magazine was the proud media partner that evening. S

stamfordmag.com

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MOFFLY MEDIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BIG PICTURE/JENNA BASCOM

1 Jane Surmaczewicz, Denise DuBose, Rafael Pagan, Jr., Jerome Roberts, Steve Dougherty, Jennifer Broadbin, Pamela Gordon and Cynthia Jefferies 2 Round Hill Community Church honorees with the Pacific House Community Award 3 Guest steps into the virtual reality tour of affordable housing properties 4 Longtime supporter Alice Melly of Greenwich greets guest as they arrive 5 Evelyn Cueva, Executive Director Rafael Pagan, Jr., and Mike Vranos 6 Paddle raisers 7 Stamford Mayor David Martin with Rafael Pagan, Jr. 8 Members of the board 9 Edward and Elsi Lyons with Bob and Katherine Sabia

May 8, 2020

SAVE THE DATE

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For over 40 years, New Covenant Center has provided not just food for the hungry, but expanded services for the disadvantaged in our community.

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020 Woodway Country Club 540 Hoyt Street Darien, Connecticut 7:00 A.M. Networking Coffee 7:30 A.M. Event Program

We hope you will support our mission by joining us on May 8th! For tickets and information, call 203-964-8228 ext. 409 or visit NewCovenantCenter.org

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2 0 2 0 STAT E o f R E A L E STAT E

Moving On The NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS and what they mean for buyers and sellers in Stamford

by sc ot t thomas

eighborhoods have always been part of the Stamford landscape. Among townies, discussions often include sections within the city. Whether it’s The Cove, Glenbrook, Springdale, Turn of River, West Side, or any other section, residents would know immediately what you were referring to. There is no need for further explanation. Some new neighborhoods, however, have popped up within the last year or so. They are microcommunities within the broader microcommunities that make up the macrocommunity of Stamford. The new communities include Ainslie Square on the fringe of downtown, Stamford Urby in the heart of the city and Allure, located in Harbor Point. Each new community brings something unique and worthwhile to the Stamford residential landscape, both in terms of architectural aesthetics and community vibe. They have also met the demands of buyers and people seeking rental units. Consumer demand has evolved over the past decade. The clear trend is toward new construction, low maintenance and proximity to restaurants, nightlife and transportation, and lifestyle amenities such as fitness rooms, swimming pools, barbeque grills and firepits. People want it all. And these new residences are giving it to them. Downsizers and retirees are also looking for something different, with less maintenance and more time to enjoy.

Stamford’s newest residential communities might not look like the old neighborhoods, but people are moving to them for the same reasons so many others have called the city home. Schools are always an important driver, along with quick and easy transportation to New York City, cultural activities, restaurants, shopping and recreational outlets. Like many before them, new residents are finding you can do it all in Stamford—and get to New York quickly for employment or for even a more urban experience. Like the Stamford neighborhoods of the past, there is something for everyone in the new residential communities. The game-changing development, however, is that some of the new communities are rental communities. For generations, the track many people took traveled through apartment rental, starter condo or house, and forever home. While that’s still a path that many people follow, many new residents are opting to skip the starter condo—and maybe even the forever home. “Rental units have a dramatic impact on the real estate market,’’ says Barbara Hickey of William Pitt. “You might have a young couple who has been renting downtown for three, five or seven years and the lease is coming up. They start to re-think what it is that they want. Many of these rentals allow tenants to go month-to-month. A lot of people haven’t backed themselves into a corner with their rental commitments.” Let’s take a tour of what they might be seeking.

stamfordmag.com

MARCH/APRIL 2019 STAMFORD

inslie Square, opened in October 2018, is now offering three- and four-bedroom low-maintenance single-family homes with on-site amenities, including a clubhouse with entertainment lounge and state-of-the art fitness center, an outdoor heated pool with sun deck, a grilling/firepit area and a children’s playground. “We get a lot of compliments on the overall look and feel of the community, including from residents in the surrounding streets,’’ says Randy Salvatore, founder and CEO of RMS Companies, the project developer. ”People frequently use the term ’village’ or ‘neighborhood’ within the neighborhood. I think

below: The common areas, such as the pool, patio, gym and clubhouse, add to the community feel. right, top: Choice of defined-room floor plans, high-quality standard finishes or designer-curated upgrade packages, and move-in ready or customizable units right, bottom: Options of three- or four-bedroom single-family homes and between open or defined-room floor plans

“WE GET

A LOT OF COMPLIMENTS

on the overall look and feel of the community, including from residents in the surrounding streets.” —randy salvatore, founder & ceo of rms companies

ALLURE PHOTOCRAPHY © COLIN MILLER

Suburban Hip: Ainslie Square

a challenge,’’ Bajaj says. “We wanted homes to have a custom look and the design process to be less complex, time-consuming and stressful for the buyers. It took a lot of sourcing and editing to narrow the options, but after a few rounds, we got it, and the concept immediately gelled. And, this was the groundwork to deliver an easy, seamless, turn-key process for the buyer.” Frank Altese moved from Ridgefield to Stamford in September. The sale of his former home moved more quickly than anticipated, and he and his spouse searched in Scarsdale, White Plains and Harrison. Three deals fell through before the couple turned its attention to Ainslie Square, and found their new home. “We wanted a single-family home with enough space to include our belongings, a main-floor bedroom suite [in the four-bedroom model], with maintenance covering landscaping, snow removal and garbage collection,’’ Altese says. “It was still in the building stage, and we were able to modify the plan to suit our needs and choose the upgrades available we wanted. It was also a plus that it was new construction in Stamford that was affordable.” The location, amenities, easy commute to New York City, restaurants and nearby shopping also appealed to them. “I would recommend Ainslie Square to anyone looking for new construction minutes to downtown Stamford,’’ Altese says. “It offers easy living at an affordable price point.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NEIL LANDINO; HEADSHOT, CONTRIBUTED

the overall architecture, landscaping and neat appearance of the community adds a lot to the Strawberry Hill/Glenbrook area. I think it’s also exciting that in addition to attracting buyers who love Stamford and already have roots here, Ainslie Square has also brought Stamford new residents from Westchester, Metro New York and northern Connecticut.” From the exterior, Ainslie Square feels like a modern New England neighborhood. Its architecture and design align with the community. The interior design in each home ties it all together, with décor and finishing packages that target millennials, young professionals, empty-nesters and down-sizers. “We wanted the build-out to be a semicustomized product that was personalized, without being unduly complicated,’’ says Interior Designer Sheila Bajaj of SMB Interiors. There are three interior-finish packages: “Classic,” “Slate” and “Sand.” Each combines timeless style with a contemporary edge. All of the homes have high-quality painted or rustic wood-grain cabinetry, quartz countertops, gas fireplaces, frameless glass showers with marble benches and borders, white-oak hardwood flooring, finished third-floor bonus rooms, built-in window seats, two-car garages, full basements, bluestone patios and energyefficient features, such as tankless gas water heaters and three-zone heating and cooling. “Coming up with finish package options to target different buyers’ tastes and styles was

At the Water: Allure

“It’s like a BOUTIQUE HOTEL that takes ‘STAYCATION’ to a level previously unseen in Fairfield County.” — ted ferrarone, building and land technology co-president

above: Fresh, clean design, as seen in this living room, is an appealing draw to residents. The waterfront location and three-bedroom options cater to downsizers. left: Allure has changed the skyscape. below: The Grand Entrance sets the benchmark for this luxury living.

llure at Harbor Point, which opened in September 2019, offers a luxurious waterfront environment with 435 apartments available, ranging from 635-square feet studios to four-bedroom apartments with 4,655-square feet. “The feature that appealed to me was the feeling of being on a permanent vacation while staying at a five-star hotel,’’ says a tenant who requested anonymity. It offers “beach resortstyle luxury” according to Building and Land Technology Co-President Ted Ferrarone, project developer. “It’s like a boutique hotel that takes ‘staycation’ to a level previously unseen in Fairfield County. Allure is a true urban sanctuary and gives new meaning to luxury living on the Stamford waterfront.“ The complex includes a pool, fitness center, a reading area called The Nook, a gourmet kitchen, an entertaining space called Club Desire for family and friends, and a dog spa. Garage parking, electric charging stations, barbeque grills, bike storage stations and complimentary shuttle service add to the appeal. Views of the Manhattan skyline, extraordinary service and convenience to Long Island Sound, restaurants, cultural events and shopping within walking distance bring the package together. “Allure has transformed Harbor Point’s waterfront community, adding drama, dimension and diversity to its vibrant skyline,’’ Ferrarone says. BLT Interior Designer Marjorie Souza adds, “Designed and

inspired by nature, these waterfront residences bring a luxury lifestyle to the community.’’ The challenge was balancing design elements. “We wanted to create a variety of unique spaces that appeal to a diverse audience, while still delivering on critical components that an individual or family should enjoy. The two model homes highlight recent trends in design and showcase how unique two apartments can be. Both benefit from spacious floor plans, wood-plank flooring and breathtaking views.” Like the 1 Hotels concept, Allure unites environment, service, luxury and amenities into a soothing package. “Allure changes the way you feel from the moment you enter the Grand Entrance, where residents and guests are greeted with a green wall, grandiose fireplace, a variety of seating options, including swings, and a custom, fresh scent,’’ Ferrarone says. “Allure makes you feel like you are on a vacation—one that you never have to leave.” Staci Zampa of Compass real estate says it is “perfect for young millennials moving from the city, but it also speaks to people in the fifty-something generation. They paid attention to every detail from the common areas to the private reading nooks. The zen lifestyle and with all the conveniences to city living is a home run.” The Allure tenant concludes. “Allure is the total package, providing a bespoke, simplified lifestyle”—and that’s the key. If there’s a trend in Stamford real estate, living simply is it.

COMMERICAL RENOVATION

SAVED BY ZERO A

t the start of the new year, Hotel Zero Degrees in Stamford went back to zero. That is, it closed. In its place comes a new ninety-four-room luxury boutique hotel called The Lloyd (thelloydstamford. com). The project was developed by RMS Companies, a privately owned, fully integrated real estate development firm, which, among other projects, is behind Stamford’s Ainslie Square, UConn Residences, The Verano, The Moderne, Parallel 41 and The Blvd). The transformation involves renovating the entire building, creating new entrance, adding a locally sourced marketplace, cardio and core strengthening fitness

Hotel Zero Degrees transforms into THE LLOYD, a Luxury Boutique Hotel

center, yoga on demand and adding a lobby lounge that boasts a celebrity chef–curated breakfast to start the day and cocktails and a bar menu for the evenings.

to the area’s cultural and entertainment center and the Stamford Transportation Center gives me the confidence to make this large investment to create The Lloyd.”

TIME TO CHANGE “After ten successful years of operating Hotel Zero Degrees Stamford, we are excited to transform this facility into the finest boutique hotel in the area with luxury accommodations and amenities, as well as first-class attention to service,” noted Randy Salvatore, CEO of RMS Companies. “Stamford’s growth in our surrounding area, including UConn Residences, the upcoming arrival of WWE and Charter Communications, as well as our proximity

WHAT THEY WANT With a redesigned front entrance, a new locally sourced marketplace, a state-of-the-art wellness center, guest rooms fully outfitted with West Elm furniture, luxury toiletries, walk-in showers and other luxurious design qualities that appeal to today’s tastes, the new hotel will also build local partnerships to attract visitors to the city. “This new boutique hotel will add to the growing appeal of the Stamford area as a destination for meetings and sports

events,” noted Robert Murdock, president of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau (ctmeetings.com). “Its close proximity to New York City and all the Fairfield County venues will attract more meeting planners and sports groups.” “We are extremely excited about the opening,” noted Thomas Madden, director of Economic Development for Stamford (choosestamford.org). “Corporations are seeking a luxury boutique hotel product in Stamford where their senior executive[s] desire to stay.” Leasing activity, he adds, have increased and companies have expanded continuously over the last year,

THIS NEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL WILL ADD TO THE GROWING APPEAL OF THE STAMFORD AREA AS A DESTINATION FOR MEETINGS AND SPORTS EVENTS. Robert Murdock, president of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau

left: The Lloyd, a new luxury hotel, spied a great location downtown right: Out goes Hotel Zero, in comes the new hotel, which hopes to attract visitors to Stamford.

stamfordmag.com

right: Warm weather can’t come fast enough for residents at Urby, which has a pool and patio for soaking in the sun. below: The Urby offers a fresh style, to attract new residents to the property built on the long-overlooked Hole in the Ground. Now it’s catchng plenty of attention.

At the Center: Urby Square

tamford Urby, a 648-unit complex, arises on 4.3 acres at One Greyrock Place, the heart of the city. The parcel had been undeveloped for nearly twenty-five years after multiple planned projects fell through and became known as “The Hole in the Ground.” The project is the fourth Urby location to open under Urby CEO David Barry. Concrete, the Amsterdam-based architecture and interiors firm, is the main architect on all Urby developments. “Urby brings a free-spirited approach to design with intelligent apartments and lively social spaces that create excitement and genuine community,’’ he says. The one- and two-bedroom units feature large windows, built-in storage, hardwood floors and washer and dryer. “We’ve integrated technology into the building, featuring smartphone technology and apartment entry as well as Amazon package lockers.’’ The most distinguishable Urby features, however, are found in the shared spaces that unite the community. Roost Kitchen + Coffee invites apartment dwellers and nearby residents, but there are other areas for community interaction.

They include a gym and stretch studio, both open twenty-four hours a day, saltwater pool, landscaped courtyard, firepits, barbeque grills, a kitchen for classes and events centered around food, a pet-friendly “Woofgarden” and a snug room for lounging, relaxing and talking with neighbors. Urby has even created its own “cultural team,” which plans lineups for residents to do, taste and try. “Urby will give you a home, filled with life and sense of community,’’ Barry says. “Our onsite team goes above and beyond to really make you feel at home. The programming is thoughtfully created, integrating local businesses and brand partners to always offer something new to experience. Urby represents a vibrant neighborhood hub that is a critical piece to the continued renaissance of downtown Stamford.” Urby also worked with Brussels-based architecture and landscape architecture firm Bureau Bas Smets to create dynamic green spaces, such as bamboo groves that reach up to ten feet. They open to pathways that link shared spaces. “Giving residents ways to get outdoors and connect with nature is integral to Stamford Urby’s design and concept,” Barry says. The cafe includes a plant oasis accented by a mural, Tropicalia, by Jenna Snyder-Phillips. It is the first-ever large-scale environmental installation by the New York City–based artist and designer. Inspired by her extensive travel across Brazil, the nineteen-foot-high sight-specific mural marks the most ambitious project by Snyder-Phillips to date. Alex Rawlinson, a new resident, likes the fact that designers thought of everything. “Your whole apartment—the lights, heating, air-conditioning— is essentially controlled through an app,’’ he says. “Not only do the apartments look cool, they really do follow through with service and amenities. Having the kitchen/cafe [Roost] in the lobby too is fantastic, especially to get that daily caffeine fix.”

MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

“Urby brings a

FREE-SPIRITED APPROACH TO DESIGN

with intelligent apartments and lively social spaces THAT CREATE EXCITEMENT AND GENUINE COMMUNITY.” —david barry, president of ironstate development company

PEOPLE WHO LIKE PEOPLE

BETTER TOGETHER T

he appeal and uniqueness of Stamford Urby and Allure in the Stamford housing landscape extend beyond the new living residences. Both complexes also feature spaces that bring the community together, eliminating isolation among tenants and creating inclusive atmospheres within their respective physical structures. LET’S HAVE COFFEE “I was really blown away by Urby’s overall concept and how beautiful their spaces were,’’ said Mike Pietrafeso, the owner of Roost Kitchen + Coffee. The Roost also has a Darien location, and

Ada’s Kitchen + Coffee in Greenwich is also owned by Pietrafeso. “I’d been looking to grow my brand and bring Roost to other areas within Fairfield County, and when Urby reached out, it became clear that it was a oneof-a-kind opportunity for collaboration. In particular, their new location is very different for Stamford.” The restaurant brings together Urby residents, but also invites the community to visit. “Similar to our other locations, we are hoping to create a communitycentric and food-driven space,’’ Pietrafeso said. “It’s a place where our staff knows all of the customers and we are

New developments are adding COMMUNITY SPACES to the mix

part of their daily and weekly lives. With the beautiful scenery, we hope to create a bit of a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city.” HOW ENTERTAINING In Harbor Point, Allure goes about bringing its community together differently, but with the same thought in mind. For instance, residents can host a dinner party in the Gourmet Kitchen using professional appliances, dishware and flatware. There is a cooking space and residents and friends can get together for wine pairings, arts and crafts, and more. The complex also

includes Plunge, which includes a resort-style pool and a place to relax, entertain and dine al fresco. It includes barbeque grills, fire pits, private cabanas and daybeds. The fitness center includes Pelotons and a yoga room, and Club Desire is a haven for entertaining, relaxing and unwinding by the fireplaces. “Proximity to the residents’ boat slip and the ability to host boating friends in the common spaces at Allure, including the gourmet kitchen after a day out on the water,” says a current tenant, “is one of the amenities that really appealed to me about Allure.’’

left: Roost at Urby is a welcoming space, with plenty of places to find your comfy spot to enjoy your coffee r ight: cvmxn cvmxn vmxn vmxnc vmxnc vmxncv

stamfordmag.com

condition and are demanding more than ever before from sellers. “Buyers’ demands are very high,’’ Hickey says, “and sellers are very disappointed in property values.” Hickey says usual challenges, such as death, divorce or job loss, can drag out the process. “That’s regular life stuff,’’ she says. The inspection process can also impact the timeline. “The expectation is that’s an opportunity to completely re-negotiate the sale price. Everybody becomes angry. Everybody is pointing the finger.” And there is more to the complicated selling process. Mortgage lending has become more scrutinized, both by lenders and borrowers. “A buyer will get a commitment letter but then shop around and see if they can shave off another one-eighth of a percentage point,’’ Hickey says. entals continue to emerge in Stamford, Title searches, municipal searches, and contract which is one reason why sales of singlelanguage also take more time to iron out. family homes remained lackluster Apartment-dwellers are finding they can throughout most of 2019. But there are other have their cake and eat it, too. Many landlords dynamics as well, making the market what allow tenants to rent month-to-month. There William Pitt real estate agent Barbara Hickey is no sense of urgency to make the leap into describes as one of the most complicated in homeownership. Home shoppers can stay her eighteen years in the industry. “It’s never patient and wait for what they perceive to be a been quite as better deal to come challenging as down the real estate it has been of pike. late,’’ Hickey says. What impact are “Everyone is in a the new apartments hurry. I often find and condos having myself saying on single-family ‘Can’t we just be sales? “These nice?’’’ rental buildings are There was attracting younger movement of people, many of single-family whom rent for a while homes. Through to see if they like the the first nine area and proceed above: What’s hot? North Stamford. months, sales This five-bedroom, 3,620-square-foot home includes recent from there,” says improves inside. Outside, enjoy a heated pool with underwater were up 3 Zampa. “Although the lighting and BABY LOC removable fence. 12 Larkspur Rd., percent and the single-family home $805,000, Barbara Hickey / Wm. Pitt. median sale price sales remained status rose 1 percent, quo from 2018 to according to statistics from William Pitt. 2019, in my opinion, based on the sheer number “Homes that are market-ready and priced of people who are renting, single-family sales will correctly always sell,’’ says Staci Zampa of be positively impacted in the next several years. Compass. “We are seeing a ton of young firstPeople fall in love with Stamford and owning is time homebuyers in the $600k–$850k price almost always a better option in the long run.” range coming from Westchester. The taxes are When it comes time to buy, call in a pro.“It’s comparatively lower in Stamford so you get more more critical than ever that a buyer and a house for the money. People are looking for turnseller have a team they can work with,’’ Hickey key, updated homes with smart features.” says. “Your team and local relationships are so The path to a successful close, however, has important. Google reviews are OK, but people become more arduous. Buyers want move-in shouldn’t take them as gospel.”

Single-Family Homes

HOME PHOTOGRAPH CHRIS C. SHAFFER, HUDSON CREATIVE PRODUCTIONS LLC

“ It’s more critical than ever that a buyer and a seller have a team they can work with…your team and local relationships are so important.” —barbara hickey MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

BY THE NUMBERS

1,336 homes sold in 2019

749

homes under $500k

521

homes between $500k and $999k

homes between $1m and $2m

homes between $2m and $3m *SOURCE: Staci Zampa, Compass, compass.com

10th anniversary flashback

judy ostrow |

photo g raphy by

stacy bass, julie bidwell

and

h ulya kol abas

HO ME AGAIN W

hen we checked in with the owners of the homes and gardens featured in Stamford magazine over the past decade, we were happy to discover that the initial attraction that brought these householders to Shippan or Westover or North Stamford is still going strong. Some like a bit of change: for the custodians of a magical, multi-acre garden, complete with beehives, a few tweaks happen as trees grow and plants need moving. Another couple has added a complement of outdoor entertaining space, with a pool and open-air kitchen. But as time passes, most of the original inspirations endure. As the chief cook in a minimalist kitchen declares, “We haven’t changed anything in ten years. It still looks great and functions perfectly.” stamfordmag.com

PHOTO BY HULYA KOLABAS

A retrospective of Stamford houses and gardens proves that good design endures

KITCHENS

10th anniverary flashback

“ I’m still part of everything WHEN I’M COOKING.” —the homeonwer

Custom dark walnut cabinetry by Boffi— an Italian firm that caters to minimalist tastes—conceals most of the working parts of this very modern kitchen, open to the other public spaces of the home’s central core.

2014

North Stamford // Having purchased a home with a mid-century vibe on a beautiful lakeside property next to a wooded preserve, the homeowners wanted to maintain the open plan of the living-dining-kitchen space and bring the outdoors in through its floor-to-ceiling windows. To retain the minimalism of the space, designer Mar Silver helped the owners create a kitchen that disappears— hidden stove hood, dishwasher and fridge--when not in use. “But I’m still part of everything when I’m cooking,” says the happy owner/chef. Thanks to a design that fits them perfectly, the original plan fits the owners’ lives today. // photography by Hulya Kolabas

2012

North Stamford // The de Lotbinière kitchen has a decidedly French flair. In the couple’s original renovation, wife Catherine traded some unwieldy medieval doors and drawers for sleek Smallbone cabinetry, accented with the original rustic details: antique tile, an immense limestone farmhouse sink, and a grand blueand- brass La Cornue range. Her husband Alain notes that the kitchen, with its well-used copper batterie de cuisine and rustic warmth, hasn’t changed a bit. // photography by Hulya Kolabas

above: Country details abound in the couple’s very functional kitchen: antique brass fittings throughout the space, a commodious stone sink and warm tile floor.

MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

DININGROOMS

10th anniverary flashback

“You’ll be glad to know that the inside of THE HOUSE IS UNCHANGED.” — alain de lotbinière, homeowner

2012

North Stamford // An expansive property in Stamford’s northernmost wooded section became the realization of Alain and Catherine de Lotbinière’s quest for a place that recalled his ancestral Quebec family home, and reflects the pair’s love of a refined, eclectic aesthetic. “You’ll be glad to know that the inside of the house is unchanged,” notes Alain, though Catherine and landscape architect James Doyle have added a pool, pool house and outdoor kitchen. In their dining room, where glamorous golden-hued textiles enhance the sun-filled space, the furnishings reflect a sensibility well suited to the home’s elegant bones. // photography by Hulya Kolabas

left: The de Lotbinières found the Fortuny chandelier that partners with a similar piece in the library that they brought from their previous home in New Haven. above: The Art Deco table and chairs and heirloom dinnerware complete this comfortable and stylish space.

stamfordmag.com

This circular dining room has become the crown jewel of a castle-like home. Luxe velvet graces the windows and covers three benches that surround a textured bronze Thomas Pheasant table, illuminated by a singular stained glass chandelier.

2015

North Stamford // A former estate, now a gated community, offered an easy commute and proximity to children and grandchildren for a Woodbridge couple. With the help of designer Brooke Crew, the tower of the original mansion became the centerpiece for a warm and welcoming home. Says the wife: “We’ve made many special memories in our dining ‘turret,’ and we love this house more and more each year. The only change is that we’ve moved the pillows and added two more chairs so that eight people can now sit at the table.” // photography by Stacy Bass MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

GARDENS

10th anniverary flashback

top: A coach Blooming bottle brush buckeye covers the peak of a rocky outcropping; blueberries with the promise of sweet fruit below: Larned bees in the act of “fanning”—keeping the hive cool on hot summer days; A fence surrounding the vegetable garden is draped with purple European beech;

2011

North Stamford // The devotion of Michael and Beazie Larned to their complex and beautiful landmarked property endures. Now with some hired help, the couple devote their hours in the garden to maintaining and refining their installations. Beazie has become an advocate for native plants through a group called Pollinator Pathways; Michael has expanded his collection of conifers, transplanting established evergreens to the garden’s woodlands to discourage invasive plants. Notes Michael, “This will be our forty-third year as custodians of this paradise.” // photography by Stacy Bass

stamfordmag.com

“ Even in the winter I AM ABLE TO SIT IN THE MORNING SUN.” —the homewoner

above and below: A Salt-tolerant species thrive in their seaside beds; the gardens designed by Devore hold their place in the landscape, along with garden ornaments that the owners— dedicated collectors—have added in strategic locations.

2018

Shippan Point // The couple who own this parcel on the Sound hired landscape architect Diane Devore to install “plants that like to live by the sea.” The wife reflects, “We are delighted that after several major storms, the plants along the water and elsewhere on our property have survived.” She adds, “My family and I love our outdoors. Even in the winter I am able to sit out in the morning sun. We’ve had our son’s wedding in this garden, and many parties. It gives us great pleasure.” // photography by

Julie Bidwell

MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

POOLS

10th anniverary flashback

2019

North Stamford // Stunting for a house “that no one else wanted,” designer Francine Gardner uncovered a U-shaped former stable and pastoral grounds, both in need of extreme restoration. After meeting that challenge, she created outdoor spaces in a style that reflects her own French country roots. While furnishings get moved from time to time, according to her sometimes whimsical personal style, the pool and its natural setting remain a sanctuary. Last summer, she transformed the open courtyard at the front of the house with a rustic, wisteria-bedecked canopy for the wedding of her son and his bride. // photography by Hulya Kolabas

left and right: Francine’s opinion of her home, the pool, and their surroundings says it all: “We’re embraced on all sides by nature. It’s a beautiful place to come home to after a day of work.”

stamfordmag.com

“WE STILL BELIEVE WE ARE ON VACATION every time we sit on our verandah and enjoy the views.” —the homeowners

2017

Westover // After finding this idyllic location in the neighborhood where the husband grew up, a Westover couple transplanted themselves from the Victorian home they had carefully restored. It was a good trade; designer Gari Dansky helped them craft interiors and exteriors that have stood the test of time. With its simple design and minimalist bluestone deck, the pool provides a blissful environment without competing with its dramatic surroundings. Says the husband, “We still believe we are on vacation every time we sit on our verandah and enjoy the views. The house remains contemporary, comfortable, and timeless.” // photography by Hulya Kolabas Several artworks, part of the owners’ collection of sculpture, are displayed on the pool’s smooth bluestone deck. At left is a Jean-Louis Corby swimmer, and at right is a seated figure, “Gilalay,” by the artist Boaz Vaadia.

MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

A perennial garden is bordered by steel edging, punctuated by boxwood globes.

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS ON HOW TO TURN THAT OUTDOOR SPACE INTO AN ENTICING, VIBRANT OASIS

garden envy W

ith the darkest days of winter behind us (we hope), itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to swap those mittens for gardening gloves and get back out to the garden. Or, we could just contact one of the many talented landscape architects, designers, contractors or gardening experts in our area. Their seasoned advice, along with professional services, can turn the most static of yards into a dynamic, verdant paradise. Here, some of the best local gardeners and landscapers around share their projects and expertise on everything from designing winding paths and walkways to creating cozy outdoor rooms and lush organic gardens.

PHOTO BY NEIL LANDINO

by t om c on nor

above: Double herbaceous beech hedges frame a distant resting place, which is aligned with the living room window. The hedges change color with the seasons.

THE LAY OF THE LAND path bordered with splashes of perennials and grasses; on the other side, a jigsaw composition of stone walls that contain a rain garden—for capturing storm water runoff while addressing the steepness of the site. If a new vegetable garden is the object of summer desire, location on the property is a key consideration. “Garden location is generally a compromise between which spots get the most sun and which are most accessible, close to the house and near water,” says John Carlson of Homefront Farmers in Redding. “If the property isn’t getting six to eight hours of sun a day, there’s not a lot we can do.” What Carlson might suggest, though, is cutting down or trimming back trees to gain another hour or so of sunlight. An app on his crew’s cell phones tells them how much sun different parts of a site get at any time of the day and year.

stamfordmag.com

“garden location is generally a

compromise between which

spots get the most sun and which are most accessible, close to the house and near water. ” —john carlson, homefront farmers

PHOTO (LEFT) BY NEIL LANDINO, PHOTO (RIGHT) BY HEATHER O’NEILL

ne common issue for some homeowners is almost always living with yards that challenge conventional notions of landscaping. But these are grounds of opportunity for professionals. The best thing homeowners can do before contacting a professional, however, is to have a clear idea of their goals for the property. “Draw up a list of the things you’d like to do,” says Dan Mazabras at Odd Job Landscaping in Norwalk. “If there are things you missed, we can make suggestions and give you the options to spend more or less depending on your budget.” For a mansion in Byram with a 30-foot grade change from the house to the shoreline, Wesley Stout Associates of New Canaan designed a vanishing-edge pool with waterfall on the outer edge. That element, which can be walked through in hot weather, presents to sailors the equivalent of curb appeal. To one side of the sloping terrain is a winding

PATHS, STEPS AND GATES

efore the entrance to the yard, thoughtfully designed paths and gates introduce a property, reflect the owners’ tastes and welcome guests, and lead from one outdoor room to the next. For a collector of New England antiques in Westport, Diane Devore, of Devore Associates Landscape Architects in Fairfield, designed a path from the street to the house with a gate that plays off architectural elements from Colonial Williamsburg. Modern architecture, meanwhile, would seem to defy logical landscape design, but again, not to landscape architects. For a walkway that bridges a modern main house and studio outbuilding in Greenwich, Wes Stout designed a straight line of plinth-like steps but also a serpentine path that winds through the green space between the structures. “It’s really like a labyrinth,” he says of the meandering path. “If you walk the curves, it’s very meditational. Otherwise, if you’re in a hurry, you can take the steps and walk straight across the space.”

left: Well-designed garden paths hint at the mystery and beauty of what lies around the next turn.

OUTDOOR ROOMS

PHOTO (TOP LEFT) BY WARREN JAGGER , PHOTO (BOTTOM LEFT) BY JEFF MCNAMARA, GARDEN PHOTOS BY CAM GOULD

s the world intrudes, homeowners are increasingly interested in staying at home to enjoy the outdoors for as long as possible. As a result, outdoor rooms have become both popular and wellequipped for year-round living, with fireplaces, firepits, grilling stations and kitchens. Behind a country house in Westport, Wes Stout worked with Beinfield Architects to create interlocking indoor and outdoor spaces that are at once rustic and sophisticated. A massive stone mantle over the outdoor fireplace, rich in age and patina, anchors the patio that’s used year-round. “We refer to these spaces as social opportunities," says Stout. “More and more, we find people wanting spaces outside where they can gather around a fireplace or firepit.” More formally, in the Belle Haven section of Greenwich, Southport architect Mark Finlay designed a series of courtyards and outdoor rooms, intimate as well as open, that extend the style of life lived inside an elegant French manor. A terrace outside the greenhouse is used for brunches and teas. A twist on the “room” motif is a maze, hedged with thuja aborvidae, Diane Devore designed for the children of a Fairfield couple that attracts adults as well. Pivoting gates change the configuration of the paths. "Williamsburg had one of the first mazes in America,” says Devore. “This maze and the crabapple trees lining the driveway recreate a traditional New England landscape.” right: Outdoor rooms (in Greenwich, above, and in Westport, below) extend living space and the entertaining season. newcanaandarienmag.com

above: Homestead Farmers uses cedar frames for raised beds of vegetables. below: Boxed containers of berries bring order to home gardening.

“Organic really is more about the practice

than about the products.” —john carlson, homefront farmers

ORGANIC GARDENS

trending

This spring, according to designers and contractors, homeowners in Fairfield County are looking to install or upgrade the following features on their property:

nterest in the environment and sustainability is leading homeowners to Homefront Farmers in Redding, where owner John Carlson and his crew design and build handsome raised beds and fenced spaces for growing organic vegetables and berries. Ranging from six by eight feet to 40x80, the gardens cost from $7,000 to $100,000 with amenities, although the plants themselves are extra, as is Carlson’s crew doing the planting and maintenance. The company also builds and installs covered boxes for strawberries, as well as enclosed patches for blueberries. In Wilton, Carlson constructed a 25x40-foot garden framed in cedar for durability and fine-mesh wire fencing to keep smaller critters out. “Organic really is more about the practice than about the products,” Carlson says. “It’s about starting with the soil and making sure that the soil is healthy, that it has the right structure, the right nutrition. It’s also about having a balance of different crop families, and the right kind of flowers to attract the right kind of insects. Balance will keep the garden fairly healthy.” MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

1 2

Outdoor rooms for being with family and entertaining friends

Well-constructed organic vegetable gardens for sustainable living

3 4

Natural screens and buffers for privacy and serenity

Ornamental gardens that keep their structure throughout the year:“Homeowners today want structure as opposed to bunches of flowers,” says Heather O’Neill of Second Nature Landscape Design in Darien, “and they want contrasts—a horizontal green hedge and a vertical white birch tree, for example.”

EVERSCREENS

maller yards and homes set close to neighbors or the street benefit from privacy hedges that screen the property from neighbors and passersby. “The biggest demand over the past couple of years has been for Giant arborvitae, which are fast-growing, easy to care for and can grow up to 70 feet high,” says Jay Nathans, a designer at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses on North Street in Greenwich. “When you have the space to let it go, it’s very effective.” For smaller yards, Nathans recommends Emerald Green

arborvitae—narrow, pyramid-shaped evergreens with bright, glossy-green foliage—that are also fast-growing but top out at 15 feet in height. “If you’re planting Green Giants and have 20 feet between the hedge and the house," he says, “it’s only a good idea if you really dislike your neighbors.” Otherwise, he says, stick with birch and holly. A more subtle screening is an allée—a walkway lined with trees—between the house and property line. It’s a European look Wesley Stout Associates used to great effect on the Byram shorefront property, where shaped linden trees line either side of a broad, gravel walkway that does double duty as a dog run.

Giant arborvitae are a great option for natural privacy screens.

GARDENS FOR ALL SEASONS

here professional landscape designers can be particularly valuable is designing gardens that look good all year round, no matter the season or weather. Kathryn Herman of Kathryn Herman Design in New Canaan mixes low, horizontal plantings and vertical elements to extend the life of gardens through the fall and winter. In New Canaan, she framed a very formal courtyard with a continuous line of high plantings and lower boxwood that, in turn, encloses a series of squared beds of globed boxwood and perennials, including freeranging allium. In one, a young magnolia tree delivers verticality and reinforces the bed with a compelling structure. “It’s important to have something evergreen in the garden,” Herman says. “Anything that’s really structural has a presence and maintains that presence even in winter, when it can be very beautiful in snow.”

above: Grasses, installed by Heather O'Neill of Second Nature Landscape Design, look good all year-round.

PERENNIAL VALUE

above: Southport architect Mark Finlay's 'Marrakesh' garden, with inlaid motif, references details of the formal French country style home he designed in Greenwich. MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

n the end, sophisticated landscape design is simply a good investment for when it comes time to downsize or head to a warmer clime. “First impressions are really important to a potential buyer,” says Maggie Smith, a Realtor at Coldwell Banker Riverside Real Estate in Westport. “A well-groomed landscape signals that the home is also wellcared for. If done thoughtfully, cohesive, crisp and colorful landscaping is a home improvement investment that immediately adds value.” But owners should keep maintenance in mind. “Homeowners need to make sure that lawns and gardens are adequately watered and mulched, and fertilized and limed in the spring and fall,” says Manny Pelez of Pelez Landscaping and Design in Fairfield. “Even weekend warriors can easily handle these jobs,” adds Dan Mazabras at Odd Job. “If you're not able to maintain the property yourself, hire a professional horticulturalist or arborist to protect your investment.”

SP R I N G FA SH IO N 2 0 2 0

BEST OF

produced by megan gagnon

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Rosé on the River Committee KATHLEEN BURGWEGER *KAREN GRUND*LEAH MARMON*JOANN MCCARTHY*JANICE RICHARDS KAREN ROYCE *KYLE SILVER*NANCY THODE*ALLISON WOLOWITZ

125 River Road Extension - Cos Cob, CT - 203.622.0079 - theRiverHouse.org events@theriverhouse.org

2020 Grammy Award Winner!

GLORIA

GAYNOR

" e v i v r u S l i "I W

live!

Opening with DJ April Larken!

COCKTAILS, DINNER & DANCING FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 6:00 pm, HYATT regency GREENWICH Tickets: https://clcfc.givesmart.com DISCO ATTIRE OPTIONAL

Questions? (203) 653.1337 A FUNDRAISING BENEFIT FOR CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTERS OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY

stamfordmag.com

Spring Luncheon featured speaker

Brittany Packnett Cunningham A leader whose “voice is going to be making a difference for years to come.” - President Barack Obama

Tuesday, April 7, 2020 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Stamford Marriott Visit ppsne.org/Luncheon

MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

An Evening with Laurel House

Honoring 2020 Champion for Recovery Anthony L. Rostain, MD, MA Co-Author, The Stressed Years of Their Lives Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Cooper University Health Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Emeritus Professor, University of Pennsylvania

Also honoring Town Champions, who make their towns better places in which to live and work: Lily Genovese

Penny Johnston-Foote

Leo Karl

Genevieve Eason

Darien

Saturday, April 25, 2020 6:00 PM

Greenwich

New Canaan

Delamar, Greenwich Harbor

Wilton

For more information, please visit www.bit.ly/laurelhouse2020

Please join Us

A Celebration of the Stamford Senior Center

Thursday, April 30, 2020 6:00 - 8:30 pm

Stamford Marriott Hotel

~ honoring ~

243 Tresser Blvd. Stamford CT

HORS D’OEUVRES • BEER & WINE OPEN BAR • SILENT AUCTION

Tickets $125 per person ~ To benefit the Stamford Senior Center For sponsorship opportunities, tickets to event, or to place an ad in our program book, please go to stamfordseniorct.org or call us at 203-977-5151. Thank You To our Media SponSor:

Thank You To our SilVer SponSorS:

stamfordmag.com

Roberta Eichler

Donna Spellman

Stamford Senior Center Board Member

Executive Director, River House Adult Day Center

Thank You To our Gold SponSor:

Robert K. & Clare A. Kretzman

advertisers index BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT California Closets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 BUSINESS & FINANCE Cummings & Lockwood LLC . . . . . . 8 Davidson, Dawson & Clark LLP . . . . .8 EDUCATION & CHILDREN Brown Pre-College . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Brunswick School . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Columbia University . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Fairfield University . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 ENTERTAINMENT Curtain Call Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Stamford Tent & Event Services . . . . 9 EVENTS 6th Annual Greenwich International Film Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 8th Annual Best Bartender Contest by Stamford magazine . . . . . . . . 41 An Evening with Laurel House . . . . . 86 A Novel Affair to Benefit The Ferguson Library . . . . . . . . 31 The Alzheimer's Association Connecticit Chapter /Eighth Annual Celebrating Hope 2020 . . 29 Best of the Gold Coast . . . . . . . . . 37 Boys & Girls Club of Stamford/ City Chic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County/Gloria Gaynor Live! . . . . 84 Inspirica Spring Soiree . . . . . . . . . 42 I Stand With Planned Parenthood Spring Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Lives Blossom: A Celebration of the Stamford Senior Center . . . . 86 New Covenant Center's 16th Annual Celebrity Breakfast . . . . . 47 Optimus Healthcare/Building Connections for Healthy Minds: A Symposium on Mental Health . . 35 REACH Prep's Annual Benefit Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . 35

River House Adult Day Center/ Rosé on the River . . . . . . . . . . . 84 SoundWaters/Flotilla . . . . . . . . . . 42 SoundWaters/Harborfest . . . . . . . 42 SoundWaters/Tall Ships Ball . . . . . 42 Women in Business . . . . . . . . . . . 25 FASHION Roundabout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

FOOD, CATERING & LODGING Mackenzie's Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . 39 Marcia Selden Catering . . . . . Cover 2 Naked Fig Catering . . . . . . . . Cover 2 Taco Daddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Winvian Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 HEALTH & BEAUTY Hospital for Special Surgery Orthopedics/Stamford Health . . . . 1 The Nathaniel Witherell . . . . . . . . . 31 Nuvance Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 ONS Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists . . Cover 3 Stamford Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Yale New Haven Health/ Greenwich Hospital . . . . . . . . . 27

Save Lives. Build Healthier Futures. Americares saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster so they can reach their full potential.

JEWELRY Lux Bond & Green . . . . . . . . Cover 4 Roberto Coin . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 4 LANDSCAPING, NURSERY & FLORISTS Homefront Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Learn more about our work at americares.org

NONPROFIT Americares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 @americares

REAL ESTATE Ainslie Square/RMS Companies . . . 19 Allure Harbor Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Barbara Hickey, Sotheby's/ William Pitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 MISCELLANEOUS Westy Self Storage . . . . . . . . . . . 47 MARCH/APRIL 2020 STAMFORD

calendar

MARCH / APRIL 2020

by joey macari

Irish for a Day

Comedian Ron White

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Show your Irish pride at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the largest of its kind in Fairfield County. Take your little leprechauns along any of the designated parade routes and enjoy around 2,000 marchers, floats and more. Gerry Sweeney, president of Rain Carbon, will be this year’s celebrated Grand Marshal. For more info, visit stamfordstpatricksdayparade.com.

curtaincallinc.com.

THURS. 23 FUNDRAISER

MARCH SAT. 7–SUN. 8 FAMILY FUN

Try tapping for maple syrup with the kids. The Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s annual Maple Sugar Festival Weekend kicks off with some family fun and good food. Enjoy tree tapping demonstrations, syrup tastings, maple snow cones, plus live music, face painting, animal interactions, an artisan market and more. Visit stamfordmuseum.org for ticket info.

FRI. 13–SAT. 21 THEATER

Trinity Catholic High School will be presenting The Addams Family Musical this spring. This

hilarious musical romp features your favorite ghoulish family, which originally starred Nathan Lane on Broadway in 2010. Tickets can be purchased at trinity catholic.org.

WED. 25 MUSIC

Daughtry will be rocking the The Palace for one-night only. American Idol alum Chris Daughtry and his Grammynominated band have been selling out arenas with timeless rock hits, like “It’s Not Over” and, “Waiting for Superman,” from his latest, platinumselling album. VIP/meetand-greet and ticket and Merch packages can be purchased at palacestamford.org.

SAT. 28 SHOPPING

Don’t forget to stop by the Stamford Town Center mall on the last Saturday of every month to catch Small Business Pop Up Shop. Established to support small, growing, local businesses, the pop-up will fill the mall with community-sourced products, goods and services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more info, visit shopstamfordtowncenter .com.

APRIL THURS. 2–SAT. 25 THEATER

Don’t know what to see this spring? A timeless musical, Nunsense will be presented at Curtain Call. In a hilarious story of a group of nuns stamfordmag.com

The Ferguson Library’s major fundraiser, A Novel Affair, returns for an evening of food, festivities and fundraising to benefit the library. This year, Ferguson will honor Tom Cassone of Meister Seelig & Fein law firm and former Director of Legal Affairs for the city of Stamford with the 2020 Ferguson Award for his longstanding commitment to the library. For event info, go to fergusonlibrary.org.

FRI. 24–SAT., MAY 2 THEATER

Witness one of your favorite children’s book come to life in the musical James and the Giant Peach, being performed by the Strawberry Hill Players at Stamford High School through May 2. This student production is a whimsical story of a boy who makes his trip across the ocean on a giant fruit with his insect friends. For tickets, visit stamforddpublicschools. org.

SAT. 25 COMEDY

Legendary Saturday Night Live and stand up comedian Tracy Morgan will take center stage at the Palace Theatre at 8 p.m. Morgan has starred in a number of hit movies, including The Longest Yard with Adam Sandler, and was nominated for an Emmy for his work on the hit show 30 Rock. Tickets start at $35. To purchase tickets, go to palacestamford.org.

SAT. 25 FAMILY FUN

The annual ArborEarth Festival will once again take place at the Bartlett Aboretum. Learn all about bees and pollination, herbs, talking trees, planting and recycling. There will also be bucket truck rides, face painting, touch-a-truck and more. For more info, go to bartlettarboretum.org.

SAT. 25 FUNDRAISER

Head down to the Cove to participate in the Walk MS event. The walk, presented by the National MS Society, is a powerful fundraising event that draws hundreds of supporters battling MS or being an ally to loved ones with the condition. To register and other info, visit nationalmssociety.org. S

PJ KENNEDY | HEYSTAMFORD.COM

raising money to fund funerals for fifty-two sisters accidentally poisoned by the cook, Nunsense features tap and ballet dancing, an excellent score and audience interaction. For tickets, go to

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