Stamford Magazine, November - December 2018

MADE FROM SCRATCH

Food Entrepreneurs Share Their Start-Up Stories pg. 15

FEEL THE JOY! Our One-Stop Holiday Guide pg. 24

THE 200

Outstanding Lawyers of Fairfield County pg. 51

CELEBRATING HOPE

STAMFORD Light a Fire Heroes Fill the Need pg. 74

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LUXE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE pg. 24

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

74 Stamford’s Light a Fire Honorees Lynn Cohen Villency, Diana Degnan of King School and Polly Perkins Johnson of Future Five

58 | Without Reservation

BY VALERIE FOSTER

The definitive guide to 80 places to eat in Stamford right now, day or night

74 | Heroes Among Us

BY JILL JOHNSON

Meet the Light a Fire honorees: people who shed light where there is darkness and offer hope where there is need.

DEPARTMENTS 12 | EDITOR’S LETTER

34 | DAD ABOUT TOWN

15 | STATUS REPORT Buzz: Founders of Smart Alex,

37 | VOWS

BY CAMILLA A. HERRERA

Nutshell and Shirley Delicious share their recipes for success Go: Lexus ES 350 Do: Health Report: Menopause Shop: Holiday Gift Guide: Statement Makers, Timeless Classics, Bold Baubles, Subtle Sparklers, Indulgent Delights, Feel-Good Finds, Modern Holiday,Traditional Trimmings, Tech & Toys, Adventure Gear

BY KEVIN MCKEEVER

BY JOEY MACARI Fedele–Vonella

41 | SCENE STEALERS Hey Stamford!, King School, Moffly Media’s Best of the Gold Coast, SilverSource, Voices of September 11th

THE 200

OUTSTANDING LAWYERS OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY

PG. 51

87 | INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 88 | LAST WORD

BY BETH LEVINE

COVER: photograph by Thomas McGovern STAMFORD magazine NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018, VOL. 9, NO. 6 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.

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STAMFORD VOLUME 9 NUMBER 6

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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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.

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STAMFORD VOLUME 9 NUMBER 6

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

PUBLISHER

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Jonathan Moffly

sales & marketing SALES MANAGEMENT

Lisa Hingst Lisa.Hingst@Moffly.com Publisher NEW CANAAN•DARIEN•ROWAYTON Trish Kirsch Trish.Kirsch@Moffly.com Publisher GREENWICH and ATHOME Gabriella Mays Gabriella.Mays@Moffly.com Publisher WESTPORT SALES DIRECTORS

Monique deBoer Monique.deBoer@Moffly.com Fashion / Beauty Jennifer Frank Jennifer.Frank@Moffly.com Doctors / Dentists / Finance / Insurance / Business Consulting Hilary Hotchkiss Hilary.Hotchkiss@Moffly.com Schools / Education Rick Johnson Rick.Johnson@Moffly.com Real Estate / Lawyers Jennifer Petersen Jennifer.Petersen@Moffly.com Jewelry Ellyn Weitzman Ellyn.Weitzman@Moffly.com Restaurants / Wine & Spirits / Catering EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EVENT MARKETING

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STAMFORD’S AWARD-WINNING THEATRE Curtain Call’s 28th Season - Sterling Farms Theatre Complex

EDITOR’S Letter

CAMILLA A. HERRERA

AMONG STAMFORD’S ENDURING QUALITIES

is its propensity as a community to reinvent itself. Just when we settle into a comfort zone, a new trend sweeps through that forces us to take note, assess and adapt. Just look at our restaurant scene.

It is made up of perennial destinations and new ventures, runs the price point gamut from fast casual to fine dining and represents many international cuisines.

But it is never static. Throughout the year we see new places open to offer something we haven’t tried before. Existing eateries adopt seasonal menus that reflect a farm-to-table movement that is now part of our foodie lexicon. Fusion traditions are constantly reinvented as the global repertoire continues to expand. Simply put, eating out in Stamford is always evolving, and mirrors dining trends in other parts of the country and the world.

That is why we put so much collective effort into our annual food coverage (see pg. 58). Because this year, as in years past, when the time arrived for us to begin planning the feature, it soon became evident how much had changed in just twelve months. Take steak, for example.

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Stamford has a number of restaurants offering prime cuts, with Blackstones being the latest addition. But others are adding meat to their menus in response to growing cravings for beef. Asian cuisines have expanded to include Korean (Bull Pan Korean BBQ), Vietnamese fusion (Kano) Japanese ramen (Kyushu and the openingsoon Mecha) and Szechuan (Peter Chang).

More businesses are offering takeout (thanks, GrubHub), brunch and gastropub fare are bigger than ever, and just when we thought fusion had peaked, along come Mexicue and the soon-to-open La Perle.

I could go on but instead I urge you to accept our challenge to go out and try something new. Like you, I have my short list of preferred places, and I don’t expect that to change. But with such a breadth of options all around, there are bound to be other restaurants you can add to your Open Table favorites. And that is a great way to kick off the upcoming holiday celebrations.

camilla.herrera@moffly.com

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRUCE PLOTKIN

Local Dish

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BUZZ status report

Starting Now

FOOD ENTREPRENEURS: SMART ALEX, NUTSHELL, SHIRLEY DELICIOUS

Three local food entrepreneurs share their recipes for

building a small business from scratch

PHOTOGRAPHS CONTRIBUTED

I

f you’re a bare bones start-up, how do you create a product and make it stand out in a local market already crowded with food entrepreneurs?

There are ways, say the brains behind SMART ALEX, NUTSHELL and SHIRLEY DELICIOUS CONFECTIONS, three emerging Stamford-based companies.

“We just put our heads down and keep going,” says Will D’Agostino, creator of Nutshell snack bars.

Bruce and Maria Miller, makers of Smart Alex tortilla chips, rely on extensive research, honed during careers in marketing and food product development. For Shirley Viscarello of Shirley Delicious, it is about embracing the development of a brand as a learning opportunity for her and her daughters, with whom she shares the business.

The challenges, rewarding as it may be to overcome them, are an everyday occurrence. And though D’Agostino, the Millers and the Viscarellos are well into their second acts, we wanted to know what prompted them to change gears, and learn how they got their businesses up and running. —Elizabeth Keyser

Maria and Bruce Miller with their children, Juliana and James.

CRUNCH TIME

The Miller family draws from experience to develop and market SMART ALEX, a kid-approved tortilla chip that mom and dad are happy to endorse

A

s former product developers and marketers for the biggest names in the snack food aisles, Kraft and Kellogg’s among them, Bruce and Maria Miller noticed an opportunity. Products in the better-for-you (BFY) aisles didn’t taste that great and weren’t much fun

for the kids for whom these products are intended.

So they decided to create their own: tortilla chips that appeal to mom and dad (no MSG, high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated fats or GMOs) and to their children (no fancy flavors or boring, nature-evoking names).

The chips would be brightly packaged with a fun name and logo. Most important, the chips had to pack the flavor of the most popular brands into a low-fat, multigrain, naturally seasoned crunch.

To that end, the Millers found a company that flash-popped tortilla chips (reducing the fat by 40 percent).

They used non-GMO corn and brown rice, tweaking the recipe until the chip flavor was just right. Then came the hard part—developing toppings with enough zing to please kids. They came up with three: Mucho Nacho Cheese, Rockin’ Ranch and Totally Taco, using real cheese and natural flavors. “A lot of work went into that,” Bruce Miller says.

The Millers, and of great import, their kids and their friends, tasted each sample blend. “We went through NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 STAMFORD

15

BUZZ

Will D'Agostino, Jason Wiener, Joe Bonitatebus, Andrew Epprecht

THINKING BIG

A former analyst taps into an emerging market to create NUTSHELL, nutritious snack bars for the health-conscious consumer

A

Smart Alex chips come in three flavors: Mucho Nacho Cheese, Rockin’ Ranch and Mucho Taco.

daughter Juliana head to one grocery store to sample, while Bruce hits another store. “It’s our favorite thing to do,” he says. “People love the product and that we’re local.” One happy accident is their expanding consumer base includes people looking for lower sodium or “happy that a serving’s only four points in Weight Watchers.”

After three years of development, Smart Alex launched their first run a year ago. Palmer’s in Darien was their first customer; Walter Stewart’s in New Canaan followed. Smart Alex is now in twenty-five locations, including eleven ShopRites in Fairfield County...and coming soon to a market near you.

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s a devoted hiker, skier and camper, Will D’Agostino tried just about every snack bar out there. Trouble was he craved something he could not find—bars that had lots of flavor; were made with nutritious, organic fruits, grains and nuts; and weren’t overly sweet but still had a soft, chewy texture. Even harder to find were gluten-free and vegan options.

He knew the clients were there for these healthy snacks, says the former math and economics major, who started Nutshell to feed that vacuum in the market after a less-thansatisfying job selling mutual funds.

“Consumers are putting more of their disposable income into their bodies,” he says, to explain his reasoning for starting the business. “Food is integrated with health.”

Farmers markets were his first outlets. Beginning May 2016, he did everything himself, rising early to bake the bars then traveling to farmers markets in Stamford, New Canaan, Rowayton, Wilton and Westchester County. Today the bars are available in twenty-five locations

in Connecticut and New York. “We’re doing well in Manhattan, with café accounts in seven locations,” he says.

The health quotient of Nutshell bars is significant. They have a base of puffed quinoa, delivering protein and a light crunch. Brown rice syrup is “as good as you can get in sweeteners,” D’Agostino says, noting that many bars use a date base, which despite the “no sugar” label, has a higher rate of sugar per gram. Sea salt enhances the flavors.

Among the options offered is Big Fig, studded with almonds, cashews, walnuts and figs. Other popular flavors include Chocolate Cranberry, Peanut Butter Banana, Turmeric Mango (with Brazil nuts and sesame seeds) and Java Bar (his favorite), with pecans, hazelnuts, cinnamon and coffee beans.

Among the Nutshell flavors are Turmeric Mango and Chocolate Cranberry.

D’Agostino makes the bars in a professional kitchen in Glenbrook, which he splits with Nutty Bunny, the vegan ice cream maker. He’s also been raising investment money informally through family and friends; consults daily with his father, a finance executive; and has hired a cook and four new employees. All while developing new products and exploring outlets where people who live active, healthy lifestyles gather.

“There are so many options,” he says.

PHOTOGRAPHS CONTRIBUTED

several rounds before we got to the ones that were truly kid-approved,” he says. “The kid part was integral, keeping us honest, getting us to the final flavor.”

Smart Alex is a family enterprise.

Maria, who works in consumer research, manages the company’s social media. On weekends, she and

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BUZZ

Shirley Viscarello runs the business with her daughters, Sophia and Ava.

SWEET SPOT

From nurse to confectioner— local woman turns her popular hostess gifts into an opportunity for the family

W

hen Shirley Viscarello gifted her confections, grateful recipients always said, “You should sell these!”

But between raising two daughters, Sophia and Ava, and working as an obstetrics nurse in her husband’s practice, she didn’t have time. The idea wouldn’t go away, however, and after a couple years of experimenting, she developed English toffee and Cejo’s (milk chocolate and pretzel) confection recipes. “I started to think the girls were old enough and we could try to start a business together.”

With help from the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC), Viscarello learned about licensing, how to write a business plan and calculate costs and profit margins.

After taking a food safety course, she began looking for a commercial kitchen, soon working out a deal to

W FOOD NETWORK Local entrepreneurs gather regularly to share intel and support each other in their efforts to grow their businesses 18

STAMFORDMAG.COM

cook in Stamford Museum & Nature Center’s kitchen. (Bonus: It’s not far from home). She recently invested in a tempering machine to keep the chocolate stable at room temperature.

And more doors opened as she connected with “kind and generous” people at the Fairfield County Food and Beverage Forum (see below).

Shirley Delicious launched in June at Back Forty in Old Greenwich and Neat in Darien, with plans to find new outlets. Viscarello sees her product growing as favors for events (weddings, holidays, graduations and more), for which the packaging can be personalized.

“We’ve grown as a motherdaughter group,” Viscarello says, “My daughters are actively involved, learning about life skills and income.”

As for the future, Viscarello is going to see where the business takes her, “whether it’s a small business the girls and I will learn from or something that becomes bigger and bigger.”

Word for Word

Trials—and triumphs—of starting a foodie business from scratch and keeping it afloat ________________________________

Smart Alex

Biggest Challenge “Large companies buy raw materials in bulk at a much lower rate. The margins are lower for a small business.” —Bruce Miller Biggest Joy “Sampling in stores. You get that instantaneous consumer feedback.

It’s really wonderful.” —Bruce Miller

________________________________

Nutshell

Biggest Challenge “Cash flow. You can be well-versed in the idea but you have to put out thousands of dollars [for] products and packaging, and you have to cover your employees until the clients pay.” —Will D’Agostino Biggest Joy “Starting a new company and creating a team is so exciting.” —Will D’Agostino

________________________________

Shirley Delicious

Biggest Challenge “Learning the steps I needed to [understand] licensing. There’s no one checklist.”

—Shirley Viscarello Biggest Joy “Going to the kitchen and cooking with my Mom. It’s nice to have that time. My Mom’s an incredible example.” —Sophia Viscarello Shirley Delicious English toffees come in a variety of packaging options.

hen the farmers markets closed in the fall of 2016, just after Will D’Agostino’s first season selling Nutshell bars, he felt isolated. The feeling prompted him to reach out to other local food and drink producers he’d met at the markets and suggest they get

together to talk about their businesses and share intel on how to make their start-ups thrive in a competitive marketplace.

The concept took off, and the networking group has quickly grown from six to twenty businesses.

At each meeting, three businesses are

highlighted. Entrepreneurs share samples, talk about their opportunities and answer questions about the challenges. “You find out that other people are experiencing the same thing,” says D’Agostino.

“We build each other up.”

Lawyers and marketing professionals have also

given presentations to the group, which includes Shirley Delicious and Smart Alex. “You make all these connections, and one door after another opens,” says Shirley Viscarello. “When you put yourself out there, positive interactions snowball,” she adds. —EK

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status report

LEXUS ES 350

Quiet Strength I

f the morning commute takes you past the blasting of heavy construction, a good car to consider would be the Lexus ES 350. The noise will be turned to a distant rustle with the crumbling road smooth as butter on mashed potatoes. This is the perfect car for the stressed-out driver, who may just emerge from the stylish sedan with noticeably reduced blood pressure.

The ES model has been revamped for 2019; it’s the seventh generation of a car that debuted in 1989. Whereas it once was a glossy redo of a Toyota Avalon, it is now a

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STAMFORDMAG.COM

sumptuous sedan in the “just new colors offered include right” size. The electronics Moonbeam Beige Metallic, are all up to date, with Apple which surely sounds like a CarPlay, Amazon Alexa for Frank Zappa song.

Android users (allowing With a new chassis, the ES car-to-home commands), is wider and longer by a few Verizon WiFi, and a raft of inches from its predecessor. safety sensors.

The engine is 34 It continues with horses stronger, and Lexus ES 350 Lexus’s spindle-grill the transmission motif up front and goes from six speeds Base price adds many swooping to eight. So, it’s $39,500 sculptural touches faster and gets Drivetrain to give it a more better mileage at the 302-hp, 3.5-liter aggressive style. same time.

V6. FWD Neighbors might For those who EPA Mileage even think you really want the Rating sprang for the larger mileage, consider 22/33 mpg LS 500 starship. The the hybrid version,

the ES 300H, which offers even more ghostly quiet around town as it delivers an impressive 45 mpg.

But what about the drivers who like a touch more road feel? Lexus is now offering an F-Sport model (base price $45,000) with faster-moving suspension bits should a nice curvy road open up.

The ES is front-wheel-drive only, so certain sport-based drivers will go elsewhere.

But the ES sings with dozens of virtues, including terrific reliability. In a noisy world, it would be a sound investment. —Chris Hodenfield

CONTRIBUTED

Lexus’s redesigned ES 350 combines bank-vault solidity with swoopy lines

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status report

Flash HEALTH REPORT: MENOPAUSE

News

Your need-to-know tip sheet to all-things menopause

J

ust about every woman who has experienced the hormonal shifts associated with perimenopause and menopause has braced herself for hot flashes or an extra layer of fat around her midsection.

Yet weight gain and drenching night sweats are just poster girls for a much larger subset of physical and emotional changes that can happen when a woman’s ovaries begin releasing less estrogen and their periods stop.

“I like to stress to my patients that every woman is unique and every menopause is different,” says Dr. Yvonne Ankrah, an OB/GYN affiliated

with Greenwich Hospital. “There are some women who will never have a hot flash, but there could be so many other things happening in her body that are connected to menopause.”

It’s wise, then, for women in this phase of life to check in with their doctors, says Dr. Mary Murray, an OB/GYN affiliated with Yale-New Haven Hospital, whose group practice, Southern Connecticut Women’s Health Care Associates, recently expanded to Westport. “It’s important for us to know everything that’s going on because there’s a lot we can do to help.” —Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick

The Hot List: What you can do to support good health and normalize changes

1

CONSIDER TAKING ANTIDEPRESSANTS

The drug Effexor has proven effective for treating hot flashes and depression, says Dr. Ankrah.

2

UP YOUR SUPPLEMENTS

Try omega-3 fatty acids to counteract dry eyes, skin and vaginas, suggests Dr. Murray.

Vitamin D and calcium support bone health, while magnesium can alleviate sleep disorders.

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3

GET SCREENED

Check bone density and cholesterol, and for breast cancer, but keep in mind, “Not everything should be blamed on menopause,” says Dr. Ankrah, who cites thyroid disorders and Lyme disease as conditions that can be confused with change of life symptoms.

4

CLEAN UP YOUR DIET

Eat less simple sugar and see a nutritionist, suggests Dr. Murray.

5

PRACTICE GOOD SLEEP

Among Dr. Murray’s tips to patients are “technology breaks” fifteen minutes before bed, and daily meditation.

6

TRY ALTERNATIVES TO HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Dr. Ankrah prescribes oral hormone replacements only as a “last resort.” She prefers healthier options like topically administered hormonal creams to help with vaginal dryness.

CHANGE OF LIFE If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to discuss them with your doctor Body Odor “In the same way you had more body odor when you became a teen, a woman can develop a stronger odor when she goes through menopause,” says Dr. Ankrah.

Bone Loss The loss of estrogen can mark the onset of osteoporosis, which makes bones brittle and prone to breaks.

Chronic Dry Eye “The eye, like the vagina, is a mucus membrane and they all tend to get drier during menopause,” says Dr. Murray.

Depression/Anxiety Dr. Murray estimates some 60 to 70 percent of pre- or post-menopausal women experience mental health issues.

Elevated Cholesterol or Blood Pressure Estrogen and progesterone are heart protective.

Even women who had healthy numbers before menopause may see them go up, says Dr. Ankrah, especially if there is a family history.

Fuzzy Brain “[Menopausal] women will often tell me they are struggling with focus,” says

Dr. Ankrah. Blame changes in hormone levels, associated sleep disturbances, depression or anxiety.

“All woven together they can affect concentration levels.”

Food Allergies “We see more food intolerances crop up in women in their late forties,” says Dr. Murray. Gluten and lactose sensitivities can also materialize, even become more acute, she adds.

Loss of Libido “A loss of interest in sex and intimacy is common,” says Dr. Ankrah. “Some of it may revolve around vaginal dryness, but there can be an emotional component, too.”

Hair Growth “You’ll likely see changes to your skin and nails too, but unwanted hair growth is the thing that seems to bother women a great deal,” says Dr. Ankrah.

Insomnia Even many women who don’t suffer from night sweats report erratic sleep patterns.

“Good sleep is critical.

A lack of it plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease and cancer,” says Dr. Murray.

DREW KLOTZ KI NE TI C SCULPTURE

Life is better with friends.

And beautiful new spaces.

WHAT’S IN YOUR YARD?

With an extensive community remodel nearly complete, Atria Stamford residents can soon join their neighbors for a cocktail in the tastefully redesigned lounge, enjoy a workout in the newly outfitted fitness center or simply relax in their fully updated apartments.

Of course, a renovation is about more than just fresh new spaces.

It’s about the people who gather to enjoy them.

Let us treat you to lunch and show you how life is better at Atria.

Call 203.542.9580 to schedule a visit.

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status report

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

produced by megan gagnon

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN So Kate Booty in white calfskin; $1,095. us.christian louboutin.com

Make your list. Check it twice.

Realize that everyone’s more than just naughty or nice.

Whether you’re buying for fashion maximalists or minimalists, modern aesthetes or traditional tastemakers, or those who prefer to go big versus stay home (no judgment here), our guide offers up the perfect presents for every personality.

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ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN So Kate Stripey Glitter Booty; $1,295. Saks Greenwich 10022-Shoe; saks.com

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tre Fo n wh d-c spla r th o a has sh e y a f sta ra re no ers nd id t t ou o t

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1. JUDITH LEIBER COUTURE Clutch; $5,695. judithleiber.com 2. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN So Kate Booty; $1,295. Saks Greenwich 10022-Shoe; saks.com 3. SAINT LAURENT Vicky bag; $1,990. Mitchells, Westport; shop.mitchellstores.com 4. VINCE Skirt; $265. Greenwich, Westport; vince.com 5. MACKAGE Jacket; $690. mackage.com 6. MARC CAIN Dress; $590. The Westchester; marc-cain.com 7. VERONICA BEARD Belt; $350. intermixonline.com 8. JOIE Blazer; $498. Greenwich, Westport; joie.com 9. THE VOLON Bag; $1,175. Shari's Place, Greenwich; sharisplace.com 10. J. CREW Top; $79.50. Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport; jcrew.com 11. NIC+ZOE Calle; $135. Westport; nicandzoe.com 12. ANN TAYLOR Faux fur stole; $79.50. New Canaan; anntaylor.com 13. HOBBS Coat; $700. Greenwich; hobbs.com 14. DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Gloves; $268. Tina Dragone, Darien; tinadragone.com 15. STUART WEITZMAN Charlie in Bridle Devon; $798. Greenwich; stuartweitzman.com 16. COACH Quinn satchel; $375. Lord & Taylor, Stamford; lordandtaylor.com 17. WARBY PARKER Hunt Wide sunglasses; starting at $95. Greenwich; warbyparker.com

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S he he s w r t inv ith i clos ocks p e c e fas iece stm onic t gre hio s a en ate n’s nd t st hit s

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St a Ma tem k e Tim vs ers nt Cl el . as es sic s s

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When Your Needs Concern Family Law The attorneys in the Family Practice Group at CT&S have chosen to focus their practice on all aspects of Family Law. Whether it’s Divorce, Legal Separations, Custody Disputes, Post-Judgment Modifications, Premarital Agreements, Appeals, or Dissolutions of Civil Unions, one or several members of our Family Law team can find a solution. Yes...

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 STAMFORD

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Give “Blue Christmas” a whole new meaning

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Bold Baubles

vs.

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Subtle Sparklers 5

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These pieces set the gold standard for everyday jewelry

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1. ROBERTO COIN Princess Flower diamond earrings; $8,500. Manfredi Jewels, Greenwich, New Canaan; manfredijewels.com 2. GRAFF Diamond Bombe necklace; price upon request. Saks Greenwich The Vault; saks.com 3. PETER SUCHY JEWELERS Antique aqua sapphire ring; $18,895. Stamford; petersuchyjewelers.com 4. NAM CHO 18k gold sapphire and diamond earrings; price upon request. Mitchells, Westport; shop.mitchells.com 5. STEVEN FOX JEWELRY 17.13 ct blue sapphire diamond platinum ring; $165,000. Greenwich; stevenfoxjewelry.com 6. SHREVE, CRUMP & LOW 19.48 ct sapphire and diamond bracelet; $37,500. Greenwich; shrevecrumpandlow.com 7. BUSATTI Pavé diamond bangle; $21,200. Betteridge, Greenwich; betteridge.com 8. TIFFANY & CO. Assorted Tiffany T necklaces; starting at $975. Greenwich, Westport; tiffany.com 9. KVO COLLECTIONS Bar bracelet; $420; kvocollections.com 10. JL ROCKS Axis ring; $1,850. Westport; jlrocks.com 11. DAVID YURMAN Stax color ring; $4,700. Lux Bond & Green, Westport; lbgreen.com 12. JACQUELINE ROSE Crystal quartz globe ring; $175. Mis en Scene, Greenwich; misenscenehome.com 13. LIVEWELL DESIGN Nada earrings; $3,025. Pimlico, New Canaan; pimlicointeriors.com 14. LANA JEWELRY Mini sunrise hoops with diamonds; $420. Henry C. Reid, Fairfield; hcreidjewelers.com 15. ASHA BY ASHLEY MCCORMICK Zodiac rings; $295 each.

Greenwich; ashabyadm.com 16. HULCHI BELLUNI Fidget bracelets; starting at $2,780. Nagi, Stamford; nagijewelers.com

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ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

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Trusted care.

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Serving Stamford and Fairfield County for more than 100 years

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Honoring patients and caregivers during National Hospice Month

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“I haven’t been in business for over 60 years, but Rudy’s has—since 1956. And, if they’ve been good enough to get hundreds of thousands of corporate travelers where they’re going on-time, every time,

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that’s certainly good enough for me.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 STAMFORD

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The diet starts January 1. Until then, it’s all about eating, drinking and being merry

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A self-care starter kit for a more mindful and healthy holiday

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1. TERRAIN Reclaimed wood serving plank; $198. Westport shopterrain.com 2. CORAVIN Model Two Elite wine system; $350. The Perfect Provenance, Greenwich; theperfectprovenance.com 3. ASSOULINE The Impossible Collection of Wine; $845. Hoagland’s, Greenwich; hoaglands.com 4. EBERJEY Frida PJ set; $120. Soleil Toile, New Canaan, Westport; soleiltoile.com 5. CARL AUBOCK Brass and leather nutcracker; $389. The Glass House Design Store, New Canaan; designstore. theglasshouse.org 6. SIMON PEARCE Bristol caviar set; $100. Greenwich, Westport; simonpearce.com 7. POPPY HAND-CRAFTED POPCORN Holiday cylinders; $21.50 each. Beehive, Fairfield; thebeehivefairfield.com 8. ZOJIRUSHI 11 oz. stainless mug with tea leaf filter; $45. amazon.com 9. UMA Ultimate Brightening Rose Toner; $65. Orgánachs Farm to Skin, Westport; organachsfarmtoskin.com 10. LA MER Advent calendar; $400. Saks Fifth Avenue, Greenwich; saks.com 11. TORY SPORT Tonal chevron leggings; $98. torysport.com 12. ERNO LASZLO Phormula 3-9 Repair Cream; $275. Williams & Company, Darien; williamsandcompany.md 13. INNER LIGHT Gift Card. Darien; innerlight-wellness.com 14. SAVANNAH BEE COMPANY Sourwood Honey Gold Reserve; $99. Westport; savannahbee.com 15. PELOTON Bike; $2,245. Westport; onepeloton.com 16. VITRUVI Stone Diffuser; $119. vitruvi.com

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ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

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1. BACCARAT Heritage tumblers; $660 for set of two. Greenwich; us.baccarat.com 2. WEST ELM Nutcracker; starting at $29. Westport; westelm.com 3. WATERWORKS Ice bucket; $650. Greenwich; waterworks.com 4. VENDOME Haute Bohemians; $65. The Collected Home, Rowayton; thecollectedhome .com 5. TOZAI HOME Serving set; $120 for pair. Lillian August, Norwalk; lillianaugust.com 6. MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS Alabaster tray; $545. Greenwich; mgbwhome.com 7. OOMPH Venetian glass match strike;$465. Greenwich; oomphonline.com 8. CRATE & BARREL Old-fashioned glasses; $39.95 for set of four.

Westport; crateandbarrel.com 9. RALPH LAUREN HOME Brennan clock; $895. New Canaan; ralphlauren.com 10. WILLIAMS SONOMA Bay leaf wreath; $70. Westport; williams-sonoma.com 11. JOANNA BUCHANAN Wick trimmer; $98. Kirby and Company, Darien; kirbyandcompany.com 12. THE 203 Camper mug; $18. No. 299, Fairfield; no299.com 13. NEST Birchwood Pine 3-wick candle; $68. Browne & Co., Darien; dianebrowne.com 14. AUGUST MORGAN Cocktail napkins; $50 for set of four. Nantucket Monogram, New Canaan; nantucketmonogram.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 STAMFORD

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Leisurely luxuries for those who prefer to do their exploring online

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1. JUNIPER BOOKS Adventures of Tintin book set; $165. juniperbooks.com 2. SONOS Play:5; $499. Best Buy, Norwalk; bestbuy.com 3. HERMÈS Tarot cards; $120.

Greenwich; hermes.com 4. RH Leather dominoes set; $171. Greenwich, Westport; rh.com 5. LEGO James Bond Aston Martin DB5; $149. shop.lego.com 6. MASTER & DYNAMIC MH40 headphones in White; $399. GDV, Greenwich; graysondevere.com 7. LOOG Mini guitar; $79. Saltwater, Fairfield; saltwaterct.com 8. BARBOUR Foreland quilted coat; $399. Westport; barbour.com 9. UGG Double-faced sheepskin mittens; $129. Orvis, Darien, Norwalk; orvis.com 10. YETI Hopper Flip 8 cooler; $200. Darien Sport Shop; dariensport.com 11. VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY Classic pocket knife; $225. swissarmy.com 12. PUBLIC BIKES FOR SERENA & LILY Limited edition C7 bike; $598. Westport; serenaandlily.com 13. FJÄLLRÄVEN Kånken backpack; $80. Greenwich; fjallraven.us. S

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ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

Cooler temps are no match for these outdoor enthusiasts

it’s a wrap!

flaunt it

wag it

sing it

buy it

visit our online holiday gift guide.

IMAGES LEFT TO RIGHT: ©ALARSON/ADOBE STOCK, ©JONFENNEL/ADOBE STOCK, ©DESTINA/ADOBE STOCK

Shopping locally has never been so much fun.

ilovefc.com/giftguide

ATHOME | FAIRFIELD LIVING | GREENWICH | NEW CANAAN • DARIEN | STAMFORD | WESTPORT | ILOVEFC.COM

DESSERTS

How Sweet It Is

On Napoleons, chocolate mousse cake, croissants, pies and one infamous treat

I

shall speak of the Napoleon incident this one time.

Many a year ago, when gasoline was still leaded and some fumes may have seeped into our family’s Ford Country Squire, my Mom uncharacteristically decided to stop at Sal’s Pastry Shop in Bull’s Head. Though 100 percent Italian, she opted that day for several slices of a certain creamy custard-filled French dessert. The counter person put them in a small cardboard box and handed it to me. Big mistake.

Lagging behind after leaving the store, I decided—probably out of prepubescent boredom or stupidity, maybe both—to start swinging the box by its tightly knotted striped strings like David readying his sling against Goliath. In short, delicate puff pastry doesn’t stand a chance against centrifugal force and, when Mom opened the box after we got home, neither did my backside.

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Unlike that dessert, my love of the many sweets made by local bakeries has never been broken. It’s something that has been passed unto my children, much to their dentist’s delight.

A discussion of fresh baked cakes, cookies and the like in our area must start with DiMare Pastry Shop. While we frequented the original Riverside location many times in my childhood, often in search of the Italian treats like my mother’s mother would bake, life became sweeter with the 1997 opening of a larger shop and cafe in Springdale.

In addition to getting my fill of anginetti, seven-layer and pignoli cookies for the holidays there, no party at the McKeever house would be complete without the presence of DiMare’s famous (or infamous depending on your blood sugar levels) Cannoli Nachos for post-meal dipping. Mangia!

Probably one of the most decadent treats I’ve ever introduced to my kids, just as my dad introduced to me, is the chocolate mousse cake from St. Moritz Bakery in

by kevin mckeever

Greenwich. Just the mention of this familyowned European bakery, in operation since 1939, gets me drooling and my scale quivering. Since my daughter, Megan, doesn’t like chocolate, she opts to give the croissants a big “oh la la.” They even inspire her to make her own. Megan’s are exceptionally good but as they take almost two days to make (lots of stretching, folding and cooling), a short drive over the border is always an option when a craving hits.

Our go-to, though, is always Beldotti Bakery on Newfield Avenue, yet another family-owned affair with the twist that I actually know the family. I played baseball with co-owner Chris in my teens; and my son, Calvin, is classmates with Chris’s youngest, Zack, who now helps his dad and uncle, Michael, by working the counter there after school. Growing up, my father would regularly purchase fresh doughnuts for us from the family on Sunday mornings; and most holidays spent at our home usually feature one of their made-to-order pies (I’m partial to pecan; my wife, pumpkin; the kids, apple … so four, please). While bread is the Beldotti specialty, in our house you are special if you receive one of their custommade birthday cakes covered and filled with the richest butter cream frosting around.

I bet Beldotti probably makes a pretty mean Napoleon, too, but just the thought of that pastry still makes me sore in the wrong S places.

Kevin McKeever is a freelance writer and national award-winning newspaper columnist.

His work has appeared in publications and landfills worldwide.

You can reach him at kevin@writeonkevin.com.

PHOTOGRAPHS: PORTRAIT BY ANDREW SULLIVAN; OTHERS COURTESY OF THE MCKEEVER FAMILY

DadAboutTown

Thank you for voting us Best Breakfast and Best Diner in Fairfield County!

463 Elm Street | Stamford, CT (203) 325-1141 | www.elmstreetdiner.com @elmstreetdiner

BEST DINER

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Where each student matters and every moment counts.

Cross-grade learning in Bi-Cultural’s Makerspace Innovation Lab

Small classes // Big experiences // Jewish values To learn how your child can thrive here, please call: Pre-K thru 8th grade: Denise Rafailov, 203-329-2186 9th-12th grade: Sarah Rich, 203-357-0850

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 STAMFORD

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FROM 2 0 1 8

NOV. 24

50 - 75% off retail!

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DEC. 4 Photo by Lukas Beck

DEC. 9

The Westy Experience…

“Excellent — very clean and comfortable, reasonable prices, and very kind.”

— KO, Stamford

DEC. 22

FOR TICKETS:

PalaceStamford.org or 203-325-4466 CO• COMMUNICATIONS Marketing | Public Relations | Design

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VOWS I do!

by j o e y m a c a r i

ALESANDRA FEDELE & FRANCO VONELLA

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY TIM COFFEY

I

t was love at first glance for Alesandra Fedele and Franco Vonella. ‘Ali’ and Franco would notice each other in passing in the halls of Stamford Hospital where they both worked. Soon they were dating and several years later, while in Old Saybrook, Franco proposed with a message in the sand.

The bride and groom were married at St John’s Basilica, and celebrated their union during a reception that followed with their families (whose roots in Stamford are deep and well-respected in the community) and close friends.

Ali is the daughter of Carol and Michael Fedele of Stamford. She graduated from the University of New Haven and received her master’s degree from Quinnipiac University. She works as a patient centered services coordinator at Stamford Hospital. Franco is the son of Francesco and Rachele Vonella of Stamford. He attended Mount Saint Mary College and received his master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Bridgeport University. He is an engineer with Sysmex.

The newlyweds enjoyed their honeymoon in South Africa and Mauritius. They call Stamford home. »

5 1 Husband and wife outside St. John’s 2 The bridal party 3 The groomsmen 4 The groom’s nephew, Francesco Vonella 5 The groom and bride with her parents, Carol and Michael Fedele

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1 A serene scene stealer 2 The beautiful reception tent 3 The band brings down the house.

4 The groom’s brothers, Salvatore and Domenico Vonella 5 The groom’s parents, Rachele and Francesco Vonella 6 Carol Fedele, Liliana Zezima and Michael Fedele 7 Group photo everyone!

8 Just married S

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TIM COFFEY

8

CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING 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.

Send Information to: editor@stamfordmag.com Stamford Magazine 205 Main Street Westport, CT 06880 STOCK.ADOBE.COM

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

18 Locust Avenue, 2nd Floor New Canaan, CT 203-966-8759

www.davidsondawson.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 STAMFORD

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2018

NEW VENUE! KING SCHOOL

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH 6:30–9:30 PM JOIN US FOR Moffly Media’s 11TH Annual Light a Fire awards reception and cocktail party at KING SCHOOL - Performing Arts Center, 1450 Newfield Avenue, Stamford

OUR HOST

Photos by Melani Lust

The evening will be hosted by veteran Tony Award-Winning actor, director and longtime Weston resident, James Naughton.

FOR TICKETS GO TO lightafireawards.com HONOREES: Most Dedicated Health Advocate – Gary Mendell • Best Friend to Women – Gary MacNamara Outstanding Committee Member – Jeff Scanlan • Outstanding Teen Volunteer – Diana Degnan Best Friend to Children – Polly Perkins Johnson • Lifetime Achievement – Peter Malkin Outstanding Leader – Karen Keegan • Most Dedicated Supporter of the Arts – Lynn Villency Cohen Fairfield County’s Community Foundation Community Impact Awards – All Our Kin & The Center for Children’s Advocacy

Philanthropic Partner

Community Leader Presenting Sponsor

Event Host Sponsor

Community Impact Presenting Sponsor

Catering by

SCENE Stealers

MOFFLY MEDIA • PHOTOGRAPHS BY KRISTIN BURKE HYNES

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And the Winner Is...

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M

offly Media celebrated the best of FC during its fourteenth annual Best of the Gold Coast Connecticut (BOGC) party. A night honoring reader favorites in restaurants, shopping, entertainment and more drew a crowd of several hundred to the Stamford Hilton; a portion of the ticket proceeds went to Kids in Crisis.

Local bands and BOGC winners Short Bus and Tangled Vine played through the evening while guests mingled, tasted samples and congratulated all the winners from Moffly Media’s readers poll. After a record-breaking number of votes, over 88,000 across all publications, winners and honored guests got to sit back, relax and toast one another for all their accomplishments. »

1 New Country Porsche’s Rui Moreira, Matt Gish, Sharon Grant, Anthony DeLuca, Rich DelMazzio, Paula Sanchez, Mike Stelman, Jim Kennel 2 Carlos Carino, John Moshos, Stella Moshos, George Rontziokos 3 Jake Geddes, Jarrett McCovern 4 Brittany Kenyon, Katherine Daily, Claire Kramer 5 Sabrina and Maria DiMare 6 Juliana Spain, Lisa Hingst, Charlotte Sabbagh 7 Amy Huertas, Frank Gaudio 8 Sarah Joyner, Sky Mercede 9 Fun on the dance floor

( for more party pics visit stamfordmag.com )

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1 Moffly Media’s Karen Kelly, Brian Feidt, Trish Kirsch 2 Mitzi Echford, Shawna Washington 3 Treats from Humbled Coffeehouse 4 The crew from Letitia’s Pizza 5 Stephanie Santana, Caterina Musilli 6 Tavia DeFranco, Dawn Coppola 7 Jerri Graham, Melani Lust, Andrea Scola 8 Dr. Philip Putter, Kaeley Blum (holding Brady), Sue Stewart, Becky Putter, Erica Logotte 9 Pierre Fitznberger, Gia DeRoas, Mark Molina, Brittany Ficano, Jon Andrade, Abbey Barricko, Kevin Franco, Fred Maudsley 10 JJ Virasak, Lauren Sembrot 11 Dawn and Jeremy Jackson »

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KRISTIN BURKE HYNES

SCENE

The Center

for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling & Education invites you to our annual

GINGERBREAD HOUSES &

COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE Test your decorating skills while enjoying cocktails and light fare with your friends, all in support of a great cause! Gingerbread house, apron and base decorating supplies are included. Prizes awarded!

NOVEMBER 29TH, 2018 ROLLING HILLS COUNTRY CLUB, WILTON

or

DECEMBER 4TH, 2018 COUNTRY CLUB OF DARIEN Visit our website for tickets and sponsorship information: THECENTER-CT.ORG $150 PER PERSON OR $1050 FOR A TABLE OF 8

Celebrate the Holidays in High Style!

Opening Night for the Greenwich Winter Antiques Show

Celebrating Honorary Design Chairs David Monn and Alex Papachristidis Friday, November 30, 7:00 to 9:00 pm Patrons Early Admission at 6:00 pm Eastern Greenwich Civic Center Generously sponsored by Betteridge

The Greenwich Winter Antiques Show

Fine Art, Jewelry and Antiques Saturday, December 1, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Sunday, December 2, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Greenwich Civic Center Produced by Frank Gaglio, Inc.

Rago Modern Design Lecture and Appraisal Day to beneďŹ t the Greenwich Historical Society

Art and History Education Programs

MMXVIII

Saturday, December 1, 2018 Lecture: 12 noon Appraisals: 1 pm to 5 pm Eastern Greenwich Civic Center

Holiday Boutique

Tuesday, December 4, 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm Wednesday, December 5, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Greenwich Country Club

Holiday House Tour

Wednesday, December 5, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Reservations required (rain or shine) Generously sponsored by David Ogilvy & Associates

Holiday House Tour Luncheon

Appraisals by appointment. Please contact Jennifer Pitman at jenny@ragoarts.com or 917.745.2730.

Wednesday, December 5, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm Greenwich Country Club Reservations required

For further information and tickets please visit us at www.greenwichhistory.org/antiquarius

Generously supported by

Exclusive House Tour Media Sponsor

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 STAMFORD

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1 Rachel and Jevera Hennessey, Ellen Bromley, Natalia Tartaglia 2 Ron and Joanne Salvatore, Sharon and Jack Feighery 3 Jennifer Calder, Reyno A. Giallongo, Kathleen Bordelon, Jerome Berkman 4 Karen and Gary Neems 5 Alan and Peggy Kalter 6 Ernest N. Abate and Bill Hennessey 7 Carmen Domonkos, Don Case, Karen Kelly 8 Alan Kalter calls out for bids. 9 Tom Van Riper 10 Kathleen Bordelon and Jerome Berkman present Reyno A. Giallongo an award for outstanding community leadership. 11 Chas Abate, Kathleen Bordelon, Len Schwartz, Ernest N. Abate, Sheila Romanowitz

|| S I LV E RSO U R C E ||

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Teeing Up

M

ore than 170 people made it to Rockrimmon Country Club for the eighteenth annual SilverSource Charity Golf Outing, which raised more than $100,000 to support the agency’s Housing Stability and Ride to Wellness programs.

Following the golf tournament, everyone enjoyed cocktails and dinner. SilverSource also recognized First County Bank, its foundation and chairman and CEO, Reyno A. Giallongo for the firm’s longstanding support in improving the quality of life for older adults. »

PHOTOGRAPHS CONTRIBUTED

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| | VOICES OF SEPTEMBER 11TH | |

PHOTOGRAPHS BY HECHLER PHOTOGRAPHERS

A Night to Remember

N

early 300 attendees showed up to support the New Canaan-based Voices of September 11th’s tenth annual Always Remember Gala at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan. The evening’s emcee, ESPN broadcast journalist Mike Greenberg presented the Leadership Award to former secretary of defense Leon E. Panetta in recognition of his lifetime commitment to public service. 60 Minutes foreign correspondent Lara Logan was also recognized with the Building Bridges award for her bravery and dedication to reporting the news. Proceeds from this year’s event help provide long-term mental health services for 9/11 survivors, families and responders. It also aids in helping communities impacted by other tragedies worldwide. »

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1 Brian and Kelly Lavigne, Jack Loop 2 Mike Greenberg, George Bodenheimer 3 David and Marylyn Malkin, and friends 4 Sally Campbell, Ann Bodenheimer 5 Mary Fetchet, Barkie Powell 6 Gala attendees 7 Lara Logan, Melinda and Jeff Fager 8 Marc and Farrah Fattahi, and friends 9 Bob and Susan Doran, James and Dede Bartlett, and friends 10 David Pinchin, Lisa Lynne Kirkpatrick, Leo Karl, Caroline Adair, Chris Hussey, Connie Fitzgerald, Nicoline Sawabini, Janet Karl

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|| K I N G SC H O O L ||

And They’re Off! 10

1 Fran and Louis Berrick 2 Stunning floral displays 3 John and Stacy Louizos, Natalia and John Anderson 4 Michael and Virginia Johnson 5 Lynn and Thomas King 6 Tom Main, Tom Conheeney 7 Todd and Heather Raker 8 Auctioneer Erin Ward of Star Benefit Auctions and Tim Armstrong 9 Boris Mizhen and Gina Strano-Mizhen, Enrique Lopez-Balboa and Monica Lynn 10 Mi-Sun Freeman, Ilinca Creveling, Yvette Nugent, Jessica Drbul, Kim Alexander, Micaela Malin, Barbara Zichichi, Celeste Marsh, Monica Lynn

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PHOTOGRAPHS CONTRIBUTED

P

arents, alumni, faculty and guests of King School honored former Head of School Tom Main for his sixteen years of leadership during the sold-out Kingtucky Derby at The Country Club of Darien.

The event netted a remarkable $400,000, which will support tuition assistance for families from a wide range of economic backgrounds. Money raised will also fund the building of King’s new Innovation Lab, which will provide students vital opportunities for discovery and problem-solving. »

Greenwich

A T M K S P O RT S & E N T E RTA I N M E N T E V E N T © 2 0 1 8

DECEMBER 1 & 2

Free Parking Sponsor

#GreenwichReindeerFestival

Wednesday, November 28, 2018 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

LUNCHEON

The Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s 2748 Boston Post Rd, Darien, CT

Join Susan G. Komen New England for the More Than Pink Luncheon!

Featuring

Guest Speaker

Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times

Dr. D’Alessio is a faculty member of

best-selling author, will discuss life as

the breast imaging service at Memo-

a breast cancer survivor, & her new

rial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in

book, The Perfect Couple.

New York, NY where she serves as

Elin Hilderbrand

Dr. Donna D’Alessio

the Director of the Breast Imaging Interventional Program.

Elin is the mother of three 3-sport athletes, a dedicated jogger, an enthusiastic foodie, and a grateful three-year

EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE SPONSOR:

breast cancer survivor. She has called Nantucket her home since 1994.

Purchase Tickets at KomenLuncheon.org

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 STAMFORD

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1 PJ Kennedy of Hey Stamford! with his children, PJ Jr. and Grace 2 Country artist Mason Ramsey 3 Saturday afternoon at the Mill River Park 4 Ed, Kirk, Susan and Ross Atamian 5 Country artist Dylan Scott 6,8,11,15,16,21,22 The festival drew fans of all ages. 7 The team from F45 Training 9 So many turned out to enjoy food and music.

10,12,17 Party Rock 13 Summer grills were crowd favorites. 14 Tone Loc entertains the Saturday night crowd.

18 The Gotta Go Greek team 19 Ilario Altamura, Eva Pasquino, Samantha Altamura 20 The M&M Steaks team

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| | H E Y S TA M F O R D ! | |

Food Town

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY PJ KENNEDY

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fter so much rain all summer, the skies finally cleared for the second annual Hey Stamford! Food Festival, a sun-drenched weekend celebration at Mill River Park.

Thousands of all ages turned out to sample food-truck fare from forty of FC’s favorites, a few cold ones at the Blind Rhino beer garden and performances by Party Rock, Tone Loc, Jump the Gunn, Mason Ramsey—a.k.a. “Lil Hank Williams”—and Dylan Scott S

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 STAMFORD

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2018 awards

what a night!

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF OUR 2018 SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSORS

Dibico

B u i l d • Tr a n s f o r m • E n j o y

EXCLUSIVE AWARDS SPONSOR

HOME AUTOMATION SPONSOR

EXCLUSIVE WATER SPONSOR

THE

PHOTOGRAPH BY RCFOTOSTOCK @ADOBESTOCK.COM

OUTSTANDING LAWYERS of Fairfield County

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 STAMFORD

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W

e all know it’s best to consult with an attorney for advice when a legal problem arises, but the truth is most of us only seek out a lawyer once that issue—for example, an accident, a wrongful termination or a custody battle—comes up. Our intent with the list that follows is to encourage you to plan ahead. But in case you need advice this minute, we’ve done all the research for you with this listing of

200 leading lawyers practicing in Fairfield County. Each one has achieved the highest ratings from at least two organizations with highly regarded selection criteria that serve the legal profession.

With this list, you can skip asking your friends for referrals or waste time searching online. All you have to do is review what follows, find the relevant area of practice, visit the websites and call for a consultation. And leave the rest to the professionals.

ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

203-977-7300 daypitney.com

STEPHEN FOGERTY

Halloran & Sage LLP 315 Post Rd. W., Westport 203-227-2855 halloransage.com

JAY SANDAK

Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey 707 Summer St., Stamford 203-425-4200 carmodylaw.com

BUSINESS R. SCOTT BEACH

Day Pitney LLP 201 Broad St., Stamford 203-977-7300 daypitney.com

JOHN CAPETTA

Martin LLP 262 Harbor Dr., Stamford 203-973-5210 martinllp.net

STEVEN CERTILMAN

350 Bedford St., Stamford 203-977-7800 certilman.com

JOSEPH CLASEN

BANKRUPTCY ELIZABETH AUSTIN

Pullman & Comley LLC 107 Elm St., Stamford 203-324-5000 pullcom.com

MATTHEW BEATMAN

Zeisler & Zeisler PC 10 Middle St., Bridgeport 203-368-4234 zeislaw.com

JAMES BERMAN

Zeisler & Zeisler PC 10 Middle St., Bridgeport 203-368-4234 zeislaw.com

Robinson+Cole 1055 Washington Blvd., Stamford 203-462-7510 rc.com

STEPHEN CURLEY

Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd., Southport 203-319-7100 brodywilk.com

PHIL DIGENNARO

Withers Bergman LLP 1700 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich 203-302-4066 withersworldwide.com

PAMELA ELKOW

Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St., Bridgeport 203-330-2000 pullcom.com

Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey 707 Summer St., Stamford 203-425-4200 carmodylaw.com

JED HORWITT

JUSTIN GALLETTI

IRVE GOLDMAN

Zeisler & Zeisler PC 10 Middle St., Bridgeport 203-368-4234 zeislaw.com

STEPHEN KINDSETH

Zeisler & Zeisler PC 10 Middle St., Bridgeport 203-368-4234 zeislaw.com

RICHARD ZEISLER

Zeldes, Needle & Cooper 1000 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport 203-333-9441 znclaw.com

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Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd., Southport 203-319-7100 brodywilk.com

FREDERICK GOLD

Shipman & Goodwin LLP 300 Atlantic St., Stamford 203-324-8100 shipmangoodwin.com

THOMAS GOLDBERG Day Pitney LLP 201 Broad St., Stamford 203-977-7300 daypitney.com

DAVID GREENBERG

Berkowitz, Trager & Trager LLC 8 Wright St., Westport 203-226-1001 bertralaw.com

NANCY HANCOCK

Pullman & Comley LLC 107 Elm St., Stamford 203-324-5000 pullcom.com

MICHAEL HERLING

Finn Dixon & Herling LLP 6 Landmark Sq., Stamford 203-325-5000 fdh.com

JAMES E. RICE

Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd., Southport 203-319-7100 brodywilk.com

FRANK SILVESTRI

Verrill Dana LLP 33 Riverside Ave., Westport 203-222-3108 verrilldana.com

MATTHEW SUSMAN

Cohen & Wolf 1115 Broad St., Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com

BARBARA YOUNG

Verrill Dana LLP 33 Riverside Ave., Westport 203-222-0885 verilldana.com

DOMENICO ZAINO

Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey 50 Leavenworth St., Waterbury 203-573-1200 carmodylaw.com

CORPORATE HAROLD FINN III

Finn Dixon & Herling LLP 6 Landmark Sq., Stamford 203-325-5000 fdh.com

STEVEN GOLD

Day Pitney LLP 201 Broad St., Stamford

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN

Martin LLP 262 Harbor Dr., Stamford 203-973-5210 martinllp.net

JOE MARTINI

Wiggin & Dana LLP 2 Stamford Plz., Stamford 203-363-7600 wiggin.com

VICTORIA DE TOLEDO

Casper & de Toledo LLC 1458 Bedford St., Stamford 203-325-8600 casperdetoledo.com

STEVEN M. FREDERICK

Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St., Stamford 203-327-2300 wrkk.com

SHARI GOODSTEIN

CRIMINAL DEFENSE EDWARD GAVIN

1087 Broad St., Bridgeport 203-347-7050 edgavinlaw.com

JOHN THYGERSON

8 Byington Pl., Norwalk 203-810-4195 jptesq.com

ELLIOT WARREN

830 Post Rd. E., Westport 203-429-4121 ewarrenlaw.com

CHARLES YOUNG

Cohen & Wolf 1115 Broad St., Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com

Shipman & Goodwin LLP 302 Atlantic St., Stamford 203-324-8100 shipmangoodwin.com

NANCY LAPERA

Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St., Bridgeport 203-330-2000 pullcom.com

SCOTT R. LUCAS

Lucas & Varga 2425 Post Rd., Southport 203-227-8400 lbv-law.com

ROBERT MITCHELL

Mitchell Sheahan PC 80 Ferry Blvd., Stratford 203-873-0240 mitchellandsheahan.com

JONATHAN ORLEANS

EMPLOYMENT

Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St., Bridgeport 203-330-2000 pullcom.com

ROBERT BRODY

GARY I. PHELAN

Brody & Associates LLC 120 Post Road W., Westport 203-454-0560 brodyandassociates.com

RICHARD CASTIGLIONI

Diserio Martin O'Connor & Castiglioni LLP 1 Atlantic St., Stamford 203-569-1109 dmoc.com

DAVID COHEN

Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St., Stamford 203-327-2300 wrkk.com

Mitchell Sheahan PC 80 Ferry Blvd., Stratford 203-873-0240 mitchellandsheahan.com

MARGARET SHEAHAN

Mitchell Sheahan PC 80 Ferry Blvd., Stratford 203-873-0240 mitchellandsheahan.com

PATRICIA WEITZMAN

Verrill Dana LLP 33 Riverside Ave., Westport 203-222-0885 verrilldana.com

DANIEL YOUNG

Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP

600 Summer St., Stamford 203-327-2300 wrkk.com

MARC ZAKEN

Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart 2 Stamford Plz., Stamford 203-969-3101 ogletree.com

ENVIRONMENTAL GARY I. KLEIN

Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey 707 Summer St., Stamford 203-425-4200 carmodylaw.com

CHRISTOPHER MCCORMACK

Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St., Bridgeport 203-330-2000 pullcom.com

BARBARA MILLER

Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd., Southport 203-319-7100 brodywilk.com

ESTATE PLANNING DEBORAH BRECK

Pullman & Comley LLC 107 Elm St., Stamford 203-324-5000 pullcom.com

WILLIAM BRITT

Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd., Southport 203-319-7100 brodywilk.com

DOUGLAS BROWN

Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd., Southport 203-319-7100 brodywilk.com

B. CORT DELANY

Cummings & Lockwood 2 Greenwich Plz., Greenwich 203-869-1200 cl-law.com

THE

JAMES FUNNELL

Hermenze & Marcantonio 19 Ludlow Rd., Westport 203-226-6552 hmtrust.com

JESSIE GILBERT

Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2 Greenwich Plz., Greenwich 203-869-1200 cl-law.com

ELIZABETH GRANT

Smith & Grant LLP 9 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-661-1110 smithgrant.com

BRYON HARMON

Shipman & Goodwin LLP 289 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich 203-869-5600 shipmangoodwin.com

DAVID HERMENZE

Hermenze & Marcantonio 19 Ludlow Rd., Westport 203-226-6552 hmtrust.com

LEONARD LEADER

Wiggin & Dana LLP 2 Stamford Plz., Stamford 203-363-7600 wiggin.com

EDWARD MARCANTONIO

Hermenze & Marcantonio 19 Ludlow Rd., Westport 203-226-6552 hmtrust.com

GEORGE MARKLEY

1700 Post Rd., Fairfield 203-259-1177

JOHN MUSICARO

Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq., Stamford 203-327-1700 cl-law.com

DOUGLAS OLIN

Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2 Greenwich Plz., Greenwich 203-869-1200 cl-law.com

JOSEPH PANKOWSKI

Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St., Stamford 203-327-2300 wrkk.com

CHARLES PIETERSE

Whitman Breed Abbott & Morgan LLC 500 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich 203-862-2332 whitmanbreed.com

EDWARD RODENBACH Cummings & Lockwood LLC

2 Greenwich Plz., Greenwich 203-869-1200 cl-law.com

JAMES RUBINO

1100 Summer St., Stamford 203-327-4212 attorneyrubino.com

RICHARD SARNER

184 Atlantic St., Stamford 203-967-8899 sarnerlaw.com

GINA SILVESTRI

Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2 Greenwich Plz., Greenwich 203-869-1200 cl-law.co

GEORGE SMITH

Smith & Grant LLP 9 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-661-1110 smithgrant.com

JAMES STEWART

Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St., Bridgeport 203-330-2000 pullcom.com

AMY TODISCO

PETER BRYNICZKA

Schoonmaker George & Blomberg PC 1700 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich 203-862-5000 sgbfamilylaw.com

GARY I. COHEN

1100 Summer St., Stamford 203-622-8787 giclaw.com

CYNTHIA COULTER GEORGE

Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St., Bridgeport 203-330-2000 pullcom.com

WAYNE EFFRON

67 Holly Hill Ln., Greenwich 203-622-1160 effronlaw.com

GAETANO FERRO

Rutkin Oldham & Griffin LLC 5 Imperial Ave., Westport 203-227-7301 rutkinoldham.com

ERIC HIGGINS

JANET BATTEY

Ferro, Battey & McNamara LLC 320 Post Rd., Darien 203-424-0482 ferrofamilylaw.com

JILL BLOMBERG

Schoonmaker George & Blomberg PC 1700 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich 203-862-5000 sgbfamilylaw.com

ERIC BRODER

Broder and Orland LLC 55 Greens Farms Rd., Westport 203-222-4949 broderorland.com

EDWARD NUSBAUM

212 Post Rd. W., Westport 203-226-8181 nusbaumparrino.com

CAROLE ORLAND

DAVID GRIFFIN

Cohen & Wolf 1115 Broad St., Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com

COLLIN BARON

Fogarty Cohen Russo & Nemiroff LLC 1700 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich 203-661-1000 fcsn.com

JUDGE ANNE C. DRANGINIS (RET.)

HOWARD TUTHILL

RICHARD ALBRECHT

ANDREW NEMIROFF

SARAH OLDHAM

Braunstein & Todisco PC One Eliot Place, Fairfield 203-254-1118 btlaw.com

FAMILY

HEALTHCARE

Schoonmaker George & Blomberg PC 1700 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich 203-862-5000 sgbfamilylaw.com

Ferro, Battey & McNamara LLC 320 Post Rd., Darien 203-424-0260 ferrofamilylaw.com

Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq., Stamford 203-327-1700 cl-law.com

203-521-1040 meehanlaw.com

Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St., Stamford 203-327-2300 wrkk.com

JOCELYN HURWITZ

Cohen & Wolf 1115 Broad St., Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com

AMY MCNAMARA

Ferro, Battey & McNamara LLC 320 Post Rd., Darien 203-424-0482 ferrofamilylaw.com

MORTON MARVIN

Morton E. Marvin LLC 80 Main St., New Canaan 203-539-0888 mortmarvinmediation .com

MICHAEL MEEHAN

Meehan Law LLC 76 Lyon Ter., Bridgeport

Rutkin Oldham & Griffin LLC 5 Imperial Ave., Westport 203-227-7301 rutkinoldham.com Broder and Orland LLC 55 Greens Farms Rd., Westport 203-222-4949 broderorland.com

Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St., Bridgeport 203-330-2000 pullcom.com

PAUL KNAG

Murtha Cullina LLC 177 Broad St., Stamford 203-653-5407 murthalaw.com

MAUREEN DANEY COX

Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey 50 Leavenworth St., Waterbury 203-573-1200 carmodylaw.com

MICHAEL DOWLING

Holahan, Gumpper Dowling 1375 Kings Highway E., Fairfield 203-384-1385 hganddlaw.com

PETER DREYER

LAND USE & ZONING

Silver Golub & Teitell LLP 184 Atlantic St., Stamford 877-731-9050 sgtlaw.com

PATRICIA SULLIVAN

STEPHAN FINN

Cohen & Wolf 1115 Broad St., Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com

AUSTIN WOLF

Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St., Stamford 203-327-2300 wrkk.com

MONTE FRANK

THOMAS PARRINO

Cohen & Wolf 1115 Broad St., Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com

DAVID FRIEDMAN

RACHEL PENCHU

LEGAL MALPRACTICE

Parrino Shattuck PC 285 Riverside Ave., Westport 203-557-9755 parrinoshattuck.com Cohen & Wolf 1115 Broad St., Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com

ARNOLD RUTKIN

Rutkin Oldham & Griffin LLC 5 Imperial Ave., Westport 203-227-7301 rutkinoldham.com

THOMAS SHANLEY

37 Arch St., Greenwich 203-622-9004 shanleylawfirm.com

FREDERIC SIEGEL Siegel Reilly & Kaufman LLC 1266 E. Main St., Stamford 203-326-5145 srkfamlaw.com

LOUISE TRUAX

Reich & Truax PLLC 2507 Post Rd., Southport 203-254-9877 reichandtruax.com

PAUL TUSCH

ROBERT C. E. LANEY

Ryan Ryan DeLuca 185 Asylum St., Hartford 203-785-5150 ryandelucalaw.com

LITIGATION ROBERT ADELMAN

Adelman Hirsch Connors 1000 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport 203-331-8888 ahctriallaw.com

DAVID BALL

Cohen & Wolf 1115 Broad St., Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com

JOHN CANNAVINO

Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq., Stamford 203-327-1700 cl-law.com

Cacace, Tusch & Santagata 777 Summer St., Stamford 203-327-2000 lawcts.com

JOHN CARBERRY

AIDEN WELSH

STEPHEN CONOVER

Schoonmaker George & Blomberg PC 1700 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich 203-862-5000 sgbfamilylaw.com

Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq., Stamford 203-327-1700 cl-law.com Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey 707 Summer St., Stamford 203-425-4200 carmodylaw.com

Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St., Bridgeport 203-330-2000 pullcom.com Murtha Cullina LLC 177 Broad St., Stamford 203-653-5438 murthalaw.com

SCOTT HARRINGTON

Diserio Martin O'Connor & Castiglioni LLP 1 Atlantic St., Stamford 203-569-1107 dmoc.com

MICHAEL KAELIN

Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq., Stamford 203-327-1700 cl-law.com

STUART KATZ

Cohen & Wolf 1115 Broad St., Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com

PAUL LANGE

80 Ferry Blvd., Stratford 203-375-7724 lopal.com

FRANK MURPHY

Tierney, Zullo, Flaherty & Murphy PC 134 East Ave., Norwalk 203-853-7000 tierneyzullomurphy.com

CATHERINE NIETZEL

Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 707 Summer St., Stamford 203-357-9200 ryandelucalaw.com

PHILIP PIRES

Cohen & Wolf 1115 Broad St., Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com

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JAMES ROBERTSON JR. Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey 50 Leavenworth St., Waterbury 203-573-1200 carmodylaw.com

JAMES ROSENBLUM

Rosenblum Newfield 1 Landmark Sq., Stamford 203-358-9200 rosenblumnewfield.com

EDWARD SCOFIELD

1000 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport 203-331-8888 ahctriallaw.com

JIM HORWITZ

Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder PC 350 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport 203-583-8634 koskoff.com

ANTONIO PONVERT III

Zeldes, Needle & Cooper 1000 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport 203-333-9441 znclaw.com

Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder PC 350 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport 203-583-8634 koskoff.com

JAMES T. (TIM) SHEARIN

CINDY ROBINSON

Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St., Bridgeport 203-330-2000 pullcom.com

JOHN STRETTON

Ogletree Deakins 281 Tresser Blvd., Stamford 203-969-3101 ogletree.com

JONATHAN TROPP

Day Pitney LLP 201 Broad St., Stamford 203-977-7300 daypitney.com

FREDERIC URY

Ury & Moskow, LLC 883 Black Rock Tpke., Fairfield 888-529-4335 urymoskow.com

DOUG VARGA

Lucas & Varga 2425 Post Rd., Southport 203-227-8400 lbv-law.com

Tremont Sheldon Robinson Mahoney PC 64 Lyon Ter., Bridgeport 203-335-5145 tremontsheldon.com

DANIEL RYAN III

Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 707 Summer St., Stamford 203-357-9200 ryandelucalaw.com

NICHOLAS WOCL

Tooher Wocl & Leydon LLC 80 4th St., Stamford 203-517-0456 tooherwocl.com

MALPRACTICE RICHARD MEEHAN

Meehan Meehan & Gavin LLP 76 Lyon Ter., Bridgeport 203-333-1888 meehanlaw.com

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE MARY CONNORS

Adelman Hirsch Connors

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CHARLES DELUCA

Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 707 Summer St., Stamford 203-357-9200 ryandelucalaw.com

RICHARD HASTINGS

Hastings, Cohan & Walsh LLP 440 Main St., Ridgefield 203-438-7450 hcwlaw.com

PAUL SLAGER

Silver Golub & Teitell LLP 184 Atlantic St., Stamford 877-731-9050 sgtlaw.com

JASON TREMONT

Tremont Sheldon Robinson Mahoney PC 64 Lyon Ter., Bridgeport 203-335-5145 tremontsheldon.com

ANGELO ZIOTAS

ROBERT HICKEY

Silver Golub & Teitell LLP 184 Atlantic St., Stamford 877-731-9050 sgtlaw.com

JORAM HIRSCH

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 707 Summer St., Stamford 203-357-9200 ryandelucalaw.com Adelman Hirsch Connors 1000 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport 203-331-8888 ahctriallaw.com

DOUGLAS MAHONEY

DAVID ATKINS

Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St., Bridgeport 203-330-2000 pullcom.com

76 Lyon Ter., Bridgeport 203-333-1353

NEAL MOSKOW

JONATHAN BOWMAN

JAMES NOONAN

MICHAEL CACACE

MARIO COPPOLA

Berchem, Moses & Devlin PC 1221 Post Rd. E. , Westport 203-227-9545 bmdlaw.com

PERSONAL INJURY

Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 707 Summer St., Stamford 203-357-9200 ryandelucalaw.com

FRANK BAILEY

ANTHONY PIAZZA

Tremont Sheldon Robinson Mahoney PC 64 Lyon Ter., Bridgeport 203-335-5145 tremontsheldon.com

RICHARD BIEDER

Piazza, Simmons & Grant 112 Prospect St., Stamford 203-883-0679 piazzainjurylawyers.com

Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder PC 350 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport 203-583-8634 koskoff.com

MICHAEL RYAN

ADAM BLANK

Tremont Sheldon Robinson Mahoney PC 64 Lyon Ter., Bridgeport 203-335-5145 tremontsheldon.com

Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St., Stamford 203-327-2300 wrkk.com

STEWART CASPER

Casper & de Toledo LLC 1458 Bedford St., Stamford

Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 707 Summer St., Stamford 203-357-9200 ryandelucalaw.com

ROBERT SHELDON

RICHARD SILVER

Silver Golub & Teitell LLP 184 Atlantic St., Stamford 877-731-9050 sgtlaw.com

MICHAEL HINTON

RICHARD DI MARCO

Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq., Stamford 203-327-1700 cl-law.com

MARK KIRSCH

Cohen & Wolf 1115 Broad St., Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com Cacace, Tusch & Santagata 777 Summer St., Stamford 203-327-2000 lawcts.com

BRUCE COHEN

Fogarty Cohen Russo & Nemiroff LLC 1700 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich 203-661-1000 fcsn.com

STEVEN ELBAUM

Robinson+Cole 1055 Washington Blvd., Stamford 203-462-7526 rc.com

Braunstein & Todisco PC One Eliot Place, Fairfield 203-254-1118 bertralaw.com Cohen & Wolf 320 Post Rd. W., Westport 203-222-1034 cohenandwolf.com

BRETT DIXON

Cohen & Wolf 1115 Broad St., Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com

Finn Dixon & Herling LLP 6 Landmark Sq., Stamford 203-325-5000 fdh.com

HOWARD KOMISAR

LESLIE GRODD

KENT NEVINS

LAWRENCE MERLY

TAXATION SAMUEL BRAUNSTEIN

Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey 707 Summer St., Stamford 203-425-4200 carmodylaw.com

JONATHAN MILLS

IRA BLOOM

203-222-1034 cohenandwolf.com

WILLIAM HENNESSEY

RICHARD BERKOWITZ

Berkowitz, Trager & Trager LLC 8 Wright St., Westport 203-226-1001 bertralaw.com

Ury & Moskow LLC 883 Black Rock Tpke., Fairfield 888-529-4335 urymoskow.com

Shipman & Goodwin LLP 300 Atlantic St., Stamford 203-324-8100 shipmangoodwin.com

REAL ESTATE

MUNICIPAL Berchem, Moses & Devlin PC 1221 Post Rd. E., Westport 203-227-9545 bmdlaw.com

DONALD GUSTAFSON

Berkowitz, Trager & Trager LLC 8 Wright St., Westport 203-226-1001 bertralaw.com

Tremont Sheldon Robinson Mahoney PC 64 Lyon Ter., Bridgeport 203-335-5145 tremontsheldon.com

CHARLES WILLINGER

Willinger, Willinger & Bucci 855 Main St., Bridgeport 203-366-3939 wwblaw.com

203-325-8600 casperdetoledo.com

Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq., Stamford 203-327-1700 cl-law.com Shipman & Goodwin LLP 301 Atlantic St., Stamford 203-324-8100 shipmangoodwin.com

EDWARD O'HANLAN

Robinson+Cole 1055 Washington Blvd., Stamford 203-462-7556 rc.com

MICHAEL PROCTOR

Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St., Bridgeport 203-330-2000 pullcom.com

JAMES RILEY

Whitman Breed Abbott & Morgan LLC 500 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich 203-862-2342 whitmanbreed.com

STEVEN SIEGELAUB

Halloran & Sage LLP 315 Post Rd. W., Westport 203-227-2855 halloransage.com

DAVID LEHN

Withers Bergman LLP 1700 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich 203-302-4077 withersworldwide.com

D. ROBERT MORRIS

Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St., Bridgeport 203-330-2000 pullcom.com

TRUSTS & ESTATES GREGORY HAYES Day Pitney LLP 201 Broad St., Stamford 203-977-7300 daypitney.com

PETER MOTT

Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd., Southport 203-319-7100 brodywilk.com

RONALD B. NOREN

Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd., Southport 203-319-7100 brodywilk.com

GRETA SOLOMON

GEOFFREY FAY

Berkowitz, Trager & Trager LLC 8 Wright St., Westport 203-226-1001 bertralaw.com

ANDREW GLICKSON

SECURITIES

AMY WILFERT

Pullman & Comley LLC 107 Elm St., Stamford 203-324-5000 pullcom.com Pullman & Comley LLC 107 Elm St., Stamford 203-324-5000 pullcom.com

RICHARD SLAVIN

Cohen & Wolf 320 Post Rd. W., Westport

Cohen & Wolf 1115 Broad St., Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com Day Pitney LLP 201 Broad St., Stamford 203-977-7300 daypitney.com S

PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL @ADOBESTOCK.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Legal Profiles

Notable Lawyers in Fairfield County and the Details Behind their Practice

Legal Profiles

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

broder & orland llc Matrimonial and Family Law

55 Greens Farms Road, Westport 115 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 203-222-4949 | broderorland.com

Broder & Orland LLC, Connecticut’s largest matrimonial and family law firm, concentrates on all divorce-related matters, including child custody and relocation cases, alimony and child support, property distribution, business valuation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and post-judgment enforcement issues.

The firm provides mediation services and engages in litigation in all courts in Fairfield County and throughout Connecticut, representing a wide range of clients.

It has successfully handled some of the most notable cases in the state. Its team model and concierge approach are highly effective in

law office of thomas m. shanley Family Law

37 Arch Street, Greenwich 203-622-9004 | shanleylawfirm.com

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From left to right: Andrew Eliot, Jaime Dursht, Lauren Healy, Carole Orland, Eric Broder, Sarah Murray, Chris DeMattie and Nicole DiGiose.

cases that include complex business and asset structures where income and valuation are at issue, as well as childcentered disputes involving psychological and custody evaluations.

The firm and attorneys Broder and Orland have received an AV® PreeminentTM rating from MartindaleHubbell®, the highest possible distinction in legal ability and ethical standards, earned through a strenuous judicial and peer review. Several of the firm’s attorneys have been selected as Connecticut Super Lawyers®.

Additionally, attorneys Broder and Orland

have been designated as Top Lawyers in Westport, Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan/Darien and Fairfield Living magazines. The National Academy of Family Law Attorneys has also chosen attorneys Broder, Orland, Healy and Murray as Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in Connecticut.

Attorney Broder is the past president of the Fairfield Bar Association and past president of the Fairfield County Bar Foundation. Attorneys Broder, Orland and Healy serve as Special Masters in the Family Division of the Stamford and Bridgeport Superior Courts.

Attorney Thomas M. Shanley focuses his practice on family law, handling matters involving divorce, child custody, child support and other family law-related issues. He serves clients in Greenwich and throughout Fairfield County, including Darien, New Canaan, Fairfield, Norwalk, Old Greenwich, Stamford, Westport and Weston.

Shanley has been licensed to practice law since 1979 and has more than thirty years of experience. He is a skilled negotiator and has successfully settled more than ninety percent of his cases, however, he is an extremely effective litigator willing and able to go to trial if required. He has successfully argued numerous cases before the Connecticut Appellate and Supreme Courts.

Shanley has a history of representing clients, such as physicians, corporate executives, financial sector employees and other professionals who have significant and often complex assets and incomes.

He has developed a case management method that is highly personalized, reliably private and technologically current.

Over the course of his career, Shanley has received many honors and awards

for his accomplishments. He is rated AV-Preeminent from the peer review service Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest professional standards of ability and ethics and is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. He has also been named a “top lawyer” by New Canaan Darien magazine and one of the “top 522 attorneys in 67 practice areas” by Greenwich magazine.

Active in his legal community, Shanley has lectured at various bar association events and serves as a special master for the Connecticut Superior Court’s family division. He is a member of professional organizations including the Greenwich Bar Association, the American Association for Justice and the American Bar Association.

Shanley holds a bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University and received his law degree Cum Laude from New York Law School. He is licensed to practice in all Connecticut state courts and is admitted and qualified to appear before the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Legal Profiles

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

rutkin, oldham & griffin, llc 5 Imperial Avenue, Westport 203-227-7301 2 Lafayette Court, Greenwich 203-869-7277 rutkinoldham.com Arnold H. Rutkin

THE FIRM Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin is a wellestablished boutique matrimonial law firm with a team of five attorneys who exclusively practice family law. We provide sophisticated legal services to clients in all areas of family law and have extensive experience resolving high net worth cases with innovative solutions.

Our attorneys work diligently to solve problems and attain the most favorable results for clients while maintaining their privacy with the utmost discretion and compassion.

Sarah S. Oldham

David W. Griffin

COMPLEX DIVORCES & CUSTODY DISPUTES We routinely navigate clients through high-stakes divorce. The majority of our clients have challenging cases due to complex property division issues or because alimony, child support and custody are being contested. Our depth in this niche is well known and differentiates Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin from other firms. We limit the number of cases we take to ensure that all clients receive the highest quality of service and personal attention.

Dyan M. Kozaczka

Karissa L. Parker

LEADERS IN FAMILY LAW Through both advocacy and client representation, Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin has played a major role in shaping Connecticut family law legislation and creating new case law. Two senior partners are co-authors of “Connecticut Family Law and Practice,” a three-volume series published by West Publishing that is widely cited by judges and other family lawyers in the state. Our firm is also internationally recognized for leadership within the field of family law. Our partners have lectured and written extensively on family law matters throughout the world.

pullman & Comley, LLC Two Stamford Plaza, 281 Tresser Boulevard, 10th Floor, Stamford 850 Main Street, Bridgeport 33 Riverside Avenue, Westport 203-330-2000 | pullcom.com

Celebrating 100 years in Fairfield County in 2019, Pullman & Comley is one of Connecticut’s preeminent full-service law firms and a leader in the business community, partnering with our clients to solve their most complex legal challenges.

We serve emerging growth businesses and public and private companies of all sizes, as well as educational institutions, government entities and nonprofits, in the areas of business and finance, environmental, energy, healthcare, labor and employment, litigation, real estate and land use law.

Attorneys from the Family Law, Trusts & Estates and Tax practices are picture from left to right, standing: David B. Bussolotta; Johanna S. Katz, Jill D. Bicks, Campbell D. Barrett, Livia D. Barndollar, Jon T. Kukucka, James B. Stewart, Nancy A. D. Hancock, D. Robert Morris; seated: Judge Anne B. Dranginis (Ret.), Michael J. Marafito, Judge Lynda B. Munro (Ret.), Lauren C. Davies.

We also provide a range of legal services tailored to individuals, families and closely held businesses. Our Family Law attorneys, for example, are skilled in all aspects of divorce, property distribution, alimony, child support and child custody, and collaborative divorce.

The Alternative Dispute Resolution practice offers mediation services in both business disputes and all family

and matrimonial matters. Our Trusts and Estates attorneys provide estate, gift tax, business succession, charitable giving and philanthropic planning; estate settlement; trust administration; conservatorships; and probate litigation. Attorneys in our Tax practice regularly advise businesses, individuals and tax-exempt entities on all aspects of federal, state, local and international tax matters.

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FOOD issue

Without reservation, we present to you our definitive guide to the best dining from early morning to late night in Stamford right now

O

n its website, Stamford Downtown offers a comprehensive list of where you can go for culinary experiences. It’s a catalog that proves its motto—This is the Place!—and confirms what we already know: That when it comes to dining, there is no better destination than our very own town. Not only do we have so many eateries to choose from, there is also something for everyone, from casual to sophisticated, affordable to prepare-to-spend, dished out by places offering cuisines from every corner of the globe.

Your job, if you accept it, is to go out and discover. That does not mean you should ditch your tried-and-true, but with so much out there, why not give something new a try? Our guide fills you in on what we think are the best places to start your adventure.You can chew on that!

by va l e r i e fost e r

•

photographs by thomas mcgovern

breakfast

Joey Macari

Editorial Assistant Stamford Magazine

“My Mom and I love going to Lakeside Diner for breakfast dates. Every time we go, we always get one of their homemade, old-fashioned doughnuts.

They are the best I’ve ever had!”

SWEET TOOTH

Plain and sugar-coated doughnuts and a fresh brewed cup of coffee to-go from Lakeside Diner.

zxvzxc

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Cocktail selections at Mexicue include variations on the traditional margarita and the Grapefruit Paloma.

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY

BOOZY BRUNCH Your weekend guide to places worth visting after sleeping in

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or brunch to be a hit, it should include a great combination of comfort food and adult beverages that set the tone for the rest of the day.

First up is relative newcomer to Bedford Street’s restaurant row, Bedford Hall Craft Kitchen & Bar, if only for its Crab Benedict with poached eggs, or Shrimp & Grits—with or without eggs. The braised beef short rib with sweet potato hash is also worth a tasting, with a Bellini, of course.

Across the street is trendy Hudson Grille, the place to check out when you wake up hungry. Love, love, love the burrata and fig jam appetizer followed by huevos rancheros.

Might as well throw in a side of applewood smoked bacon to soak up two hours of unlimited mimosas and Bloody Marys.

Over on Summer Street is

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Cask Republic, the always hot, perennial fave for lazy weekends and tempting dishes like the B.L.A.T (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) to go with a seasonal brew. Sweet tooth?

Consider the Belgian waffles with blueberry compote. Better yet, just call it dessert.

A couple of doors down is Noir, a sweet French bistro that serves a lovely menu with lots of small plates to share, like the mussels in a coconut curry, with white wine and spicy pomodoro. Craving something more substantial? The Noir omelet, prepared with caña de oveja cheese, caramelized onions and bacon, is a musttry, as is Monica’s French toast with challah bread and Grand Marnier. Do as the French do and pair your meal with a glass of Sancerre.

Next pick is Mexicue, because it has it all: harbor views, a lively

brunch

Camilla Herrera Editor Stamford Magazine

“The crepes at Volta Gelateria Creperia are the perfect recipe for a delicious brunch.

Whether I’m craving sweet or savory, these light pancakes are like a little taste of Paris.

Paired with a small salad to start, I always feel like I treated myself without feeling guilty about overindulging, unless I get a small gelato for dessert.”

PHOTOGRAPHS: DRINKS COURTESY OF MEXICUE

BAR HOP

scene, great casual food and interesting drink combos. We recommend the breakfast bowl with a fried egg, black beans, brown rice, avocado and herbs, mostly because it is a welcome healthy alternative. But if you’re not feeling it, try burnt ends quesadilla with chili, scallion, cilantro, a fried egg, jack cheese and guajillo sauce. Wash it all down with a Grapefruit Paloma or a Bloody Maria (think tequila instead of vodka).

Across the way is Sign of the Whale, another popular go-to for its extensive not-oneto-mince-words brunch menu and bottomless drink deals. So many choices, but if we had to narrow it down, we’d say try the breakfast pizza (scrambled eggs, smoked bacon, sweet sausage, cheddar and mozzarella) or Hangover Hash (Berkshire pulled pork, sweet sausage, English peas, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, a fried egg and cherry pepper).

Up in Springdale is Amore Cucina & Bar. Sure, it’s known for its round and square pizzas and Italian faves like lasagna and chicken scarpariello. But this location rallies on weekends with a deejay, specialty cocktails, a Bloody Mary and Bellini bar, and a variety of breakfast pizzas and sandwiches.

We close back on Bedford Street at Tigín Irish Pub, a Stamford fixture. Considered one of the friendliest places you’ll ever visit, it is a neighborhood gem where the service and food are top-notch.

There’s usually several European soccer matches showing on various screens, so go ahead and order yourself a pint, cheer on your favorite team and order the Irish breakfast or the banana pecan pancakes.

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MORNING GLORY

Bedford Hall’s Chicken & Waffles, served with honey-thyme butter, maple syrup and red pepper jam, pairs well with a Bloody Mary. Get your dining partner to order the Crab Benedict (blue crab, roasted tomatoes, fontina, poached eggs and hollandaise on sourdough bread) and share.

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NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

Verde Galerie’s Strawberry Delight and Verde smoothies with sweet crinkles are perfect pickme-ups for any time of day.

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COFFEE MATES

FAMILY TIME

happy meals

fast break For when you are in the mood for something quick and tasty to go with a caffeine fix

CAFÉ OO LA LA Breakfast meeting? Consider this Ridgeway location, serving a variety of toasts, yogurts, quiches, baked goods and bagels with assorted cream cheese spreads. The French toast is quite good, too. And don’t forget to add one of their signature espresso drinks.

TURNING POINT COFFEE ROASTERS Offering organic fair-trade natural-process coffees from Africa and South America, all roasted on-site, this latest addition to the café scene already boasts devoted fans. And with a small menu of pastries, toasts, bowls and sandwiches—OMG you must try the porchetta sandwich—make time for lunch.

PHOTOGRAPHS: MILKSHAKES COURTESY OF LUCKY’S

GRANOLA BAR Though technically take-out, this Harbor Point outpost welcomes visitors to sit outside for a quick nosh of granola parfaits, eggs, avocado toast, and breakfast sandwiches and wraps. It all goes so well with a turmeric latte.

LORCA Bedford Street is complete now that this café has established itself as the go-to place for premium Counter Culture Coffee drinks. But its breakfast and lunch menus are special, and nowhere else can you find such perfect churros and alfajores. If you haven’t tried them yet, put this issue down and head on over. You’ll thank us later.

VERDE GALERIE This cute little spot, new to Atlantic Street, is a breath of fresh air. Enjoy house-made, organic salads with a cappuccino while taking in the floral and botanical designs on display. Yes, it is part florist, part yummy rest stop. Plus, you can grab a smoothie to go.

lunch

Garvin Burke

Senior Art Director Stamford Magazine

“The interior of T’s Pizza Kitchen, with its cozy banquettes and whitelinen-covered tables, reminds me of an oldschool Italian restaurant.

I like the orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage but if you want a grab-and-go meal, T’s has a huge selection of heroes (I like the veal parmigiana).

My favorite pizza, if I had to pick one, is the New England: white clam sauce and fresh mozzarella.”

Save money on the babysitter—a definitive list of destinations where the clan is celebrated CASA VILLA Head to the East Street location, a casual spot for authentic Mexican cuisine, including tacos, quesadillas and nachos for the kids, and some special dishes for mom and dad, including camarones a la diabla (sautéed shrimp in a spicy red chile sauce) and bistec a la Mexicana (steak with sautéed onions, tomatoes and fresh jalapeños). After dinner, the whole family can share the churros con dulce de leche.

CAPRICCIO CAFÉ Here, on Bedford Street, pizza, paninis and spaghetti always appeal, and if the kids are adventurous gourmets, there are meatballs and tortellini, too. Come summer, enjoy outdoor dining under one of the bright lime umbrellas.

Plenty of people-watching to be had.

LUCKY’S CLASSIC BURGER & MALT SHOP If the name is not a hint, this classic joint, also on Bedford Street, knows how to make the kids smile. The

WHIP IT

Treat yourself to a milkshake and float at Lucky’s.

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continued from previous page

happy meals interior, with its old-school lunch counter and colorful booths, will take you back. And what will have you coming back for more are the burgers, grilled cheese, mac & cheese, hot dogs, quesadillas, chicken and spaghetti.

What else do the kids need? Maybe a float, shake, malt or egg cream. Adults can have theirs spiked, by the way.

ELM STREET DINER Head to the South End and find out why this landmark has been around for thirty years.

Like all great diners, this one has a million offerings, including all-day breakfast. We are of the firm belief that breakfast for lunch or dinner works, especially if you can order chocolate-peanut butter or strawberrybanana pancakes. We’ve heard their doughnuts are also worth a visit.

Breakfast all day is the norm at Elm Street Diner, where it doesn’t matter at what time you’re craving French toast.

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The Naked Fish Dinner at F.I.S.H. offers a variety of preparation choices, among them this salmon, pan-seared in a pistachio rub served on a bed of julienned mixed vegetables in a wasabi and soy sauce.

TRIED AND TRUE

LOCAL TRADITION A quick review of some outstanding standards, founded years ago and still going strong

W

ho remembers the Ground Round?

The Sittin’ Room or Chimney Corner?

Those dining fixtures of years past have long been gone but others continue to draw fans, including BV’s Restaurant & Sports Bar. Last year, Stamford’s own Bobby Valentine moved his bar from Columbus Park to an expanded space on Atlantic Street, where all sports fans can enjoy game day and a menu of all-American greats.

Bring the kids—they eat for free, as long as you’re eating too.

Ah, Columbus Park Trattoria. Just typing the name makes us feel warm inside. Walk

in and you’re met by a friendly staff and Italian aromas that start your mouth a-watering.

Our only advice is to bring your appetite and eat like you’re abroad, enjoying many courses, each paired with wine, at a leisurely pace.

Want casual? Head to the Crab Shell, across the bay from Harbor Point. Once one of the only spots on the water, it delivers a seafood menu and a big bar scene, especially in summer when there’s live music five nights a week. On your next visit, try the lobster bisque and the Maryland crab cakes with a nice cold one, or two.

A perennial favorite is Eos

PHOTOGRAPHS: FRENCH TOAST COURTESY OF ELM STREET DINER

REMO’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA COMPANY This enduring favorite serves traditional Neapolitan pizza prepared in a brick oven, the better to create those lovely, doughy pie edges the little ones love. With a menu offering numerous topping choices and combinations, everyone at the table will be clamoring for the last slice. Oh, and don’t skip dessert: Fans of fresh-stuffed cannolis are in for a treat.

Greek Cuisine, a small and homey location on Summer Street that evokes the Mediterranean. Start with a three-dip combo platter, each different and authentic. In cold weather, avgolemono, a chicken, lemon, egg and rice soup, is the comfy choice. This food is the real deal, with lots of Greek specialties, salads and entrées.

At F.I.S.H., start with an order from its extensive raw bar. Then try the Naked Fish Dinner: You pick the filet, then have it panseared, grilled or blackened.

Then select a crusting preparation: sesame rice cracker, pistachio, and honey mustard Dijon pretzel, among others. Add a sauce—eight options— and a veggie. What also makes this Bedford Street mainstay special is its marble bar, perfect for dining.

Ever since Olio opened in Springdale four years ago, it has reigned as a neighborhood must-visit for a simple reason: The food is a delight. And though it might not fit neatly in this category, we believe it is here to stay for years to come. Like all great restaurants, its menu changes seasonally and relies heavily on local and organic products. On our last visit, we enjoyed the braised short ribs.

Sheer heaven. But then, we’ve never been disappointed. You won’t be either.

Of course, we would be remiss in omitting Pellicci’s Ristorante. It’s been on Stillwater Avenue for seventyone years! How can this be? Eat here and you’ll understand why: white tablecloths, a staff that knows how to serve food, and a kitchen that consistently turns out traditional Italian-American fare, including a red sauce that elevates everything it touches.

Newcomers to Stamford: Check it out. It’s an institution.

GLOBAL PALATE

CULTURE MASH-UP Reasons why fusion is quickly becoming a defining factor of the local dining scene

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t’s no secret that Stamford’s eateries hit every corner of the globe, but the depth of representation continues to surprise us, beginning with Bedford Thai on, you guessed it, Bedford Street. This pretty, casual place serves large portions but the dishes are authentic and appropriately spiced. And all food is cooked to order, which you’ll be able to taste at first bite.

Over on Summer Street, also serving authentic fare, is the new Bull Pan Korean BBQ, a welcome addition to the scene, as authentic Korean food is hard to find. The menu is heavy on beef and pork, including its signature Wagyu steak, but tofu stews and rice bowls are also offered, giving newbies a broad selection of options to experience the zestier flavor profile of Korean cuisine.

Up for Latin fusion? Head to Cilantro on Atlantic Street. It’s small and popular— we love when outdoor seating doubles the tables—and worth the wait, especially when you get an impressive complimentary basket of plantain chips with salsa as soon as you are seated. Everything here sings with flavor. If you don’t know what to order, ask the waitstaff what they suggest. Our vote is for traditional Cuban ropa vieja (stacked, stewed shredded beef) or the huachinango, (red snapper) over fava beans and wild mushroom risotto. Yum! If authentic Latin, particularly Peruvian, is calling your name, check out Fiesta on Main. Start with ceviche if you want to learn the origin of this marinated fish dish, and follow it with a lomo salteado. Also, try a pisco-based drink. What’s pisco? It’s a clear spirit distilled from grapes, which here is made into all types of intriguing drinks.

We were thrilled when Flinders Lane opened last year. Different? You bet! This top choice serving modern Australian dishes

with Southeast Asian influences is next to Summer Street’s Majestic Cinema, easy for a quick bite and a movie, although we suggest you sit a spell and savor some delicious food and inspiring cocktails.

Some musts: pulled pork steamed buns, bondi burger with Swiss cheese, and kangaroo loin. Remember our challenge?

Maybe start here.

Next stop on our global tour is Navaratna, which serves up authentic vegetarian, kosher cuisine from India. Plan a group dinner here, order some curries and share.

The preparations are authentic, the spicing precise, all of it a sensory treat. We say you include the ennai kathrikai (baby eggplant in tamarind, peanut and sesame seed gravy) and the dal makhani (slow cooked black lentils in an onion, tomato sauce) in your order. Want heat? Try the vegetable vindaloo, prepared in traditional Goan style.

Another stopover for Indian food is Tawa, in Glenbrook. A large appetite is de rigueur for the weekday lunch buffet or the weekend grand buffet. We suggest you don’t pass up on the kebabs or the biryanis. A recent revelation worth every bite: the Hyderabadee Sukha goat chops, slow braised baby goat masala with southern Indian spices and roasted coconut.

New to the scene is Peter Chang, named after its James Beard Award-winning chef who specializes in Szechuan cuisine. After sampling the chef’s well-known specialties like fermented bean paste beef tenderloin, jade shrimp with crispy rice cracker and Furong chicken hot pot, we already can’t wait to return. Stamford has long craved this elevated, authentic style of cooking. We are thrilled we no longer have to travel far for the real deal.

At press time, the soon-to-open La Perle promises a gorgeous and comfortable space designed in shades of gray with pops of red.

We hear it will offer American cuisine heavily infused with flavors of the Caribbean, which will translate into some exciting food like Cajun rib eye steak with bourbon sauce, stewed conch in Creole sauce and Mango BBQ ribs. Feeling bold? Stewed goat and braised oxtail will also be on the menu. Word on the street is that this will be a classy spot, just what Bank Street needs.

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dinner SLICE OF LIFE

At Pieology you can design a pie from scratch, starting with the crust and up to the toppings.

Rick Johnson Sales Director Moffly Media

“When we moved to Glenbrook in 1979, we discovered we were mere blocks from the familyowned Hope Street Pizza.

Well! We soon learned that pizza (which is excellent) was just a tease for a menu ranging from Buffalo wings to Greek specialties. The Triantafyllos family has been synonymous with delicious comfort food in our neighborhood for forty years.�

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UTENSILS OPTIONAL

GUILTY PLEASURES

finger-licking good

SIN CITY

A collection of eateries where getting your hands dirty is socially acceptable BAREBURGER A Harbor Point spot that’s a favorite for burgers, sandwiches and shareables like cheesy fries, onion rings and chicken bites, all screaming, pick me up! Ingredients come from sustainable farmers and partners; even the building materials were made with reclaimed and recycled products.

BARTACO One word: tacos. Made with corn tortillas or Bibb lettuce shells, you have your choice of typical Baja fish, chicken pastor, pork belly and crispy rock shrimp to veggie delights like cauliflower with romesco, falafel and portobello mushroom. Head to Summer Street and order your own selection or make it into a feast for the table.

PHOTOGRAPHS: PIZZA COURTESY OF PIEOLOGY

BROTHER JIMMY’S BBQ Known for its Southern-style ribs smoked in Brother Jimmy’s Memphis-style rub, this Bedford Street locale is also known for shareables like popcorn shrimp, pulled pork quesadillas and BBQ wings, and sandwiches: Carolina pulled pork, pulled chicken and sliced brisket. That’s a lot of mess, y’all.

DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE This Harbor Point mainstay is part of a chain that started life on the road, serving barbecue to the masses at motorcycle fairs and festivals. It’s rooted in the many styles of Southern barbecue, complete with secret recipes. For something different, try the Drunken Spicy Shrimp Boil and the BBQ chili nachos.

PIEOLOGY A pizza joint at the mall where “have it your way” is given new meaning. First, choose your crust—traditional, whole wheat, cauliflower, gluten-free—and the thickness you prefer: regular, thin, thick. Then choose

from seven sauces, six cheeses, and assorted meat and vegetable toppings. Can’t decide? Chef-inspired offerings—consider fire grilled bbq chicken or zesty artichoke— are also on the menu.

SALT BAR This is the rebranded Boothbay Lobster Company, and with the name change also comes a new menu. What hasn’t changed is its Harbor Point location. They also still serve the freshest seafood, and we say thank-you to that. Must-eats include tempura fish sandwich, crispy calamari, lobster roll, Maine scallops, mussels al diablo, gulf shrimp, the list goes on.

Where comfort marries decadence and rules about portion control are best left at home

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ometimes occasions call for indulgence. We are all for following a healthy eating plan, but there are times when periodic servings of comfort food are the only things that will hit the spot. The pizzas and shareable plates at Fortina in Harbor Point do this, and its bread pudding, topped with a mascarpone whip, is to die for.

TEFF The first and only Eritrean and Ethiopian restaurant around, where eating with your hands is elevated to an art. Teff is a grain found in these countries, full of iron, calcium, protein and amino acids, and a basis for many of the dishes found here. There are no utensils. If you’ve never experienced this cuisine, found on West Main Street, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. We bet you’ll return.

TOMATO TOMATO Serving a modern Italian-American menu, this Shippan hot spot is known for its pizza, twenty-two specialty pies using fresh ingredients in appetizing combinations. There’s the Saddle Rock (eggplant, onion and roasted garlic), the Lanell (feta, Kalamata olives and pepperoncini peppers) and, for the oldschool crowd, the Old World Margherita (fresh mozzarella, basil and olive oil).

This just in: The owners are behind the new Greek restaurant currently under construction at the former Bobby V’s on Columbus Park. Stay tuned.

The kitchen at Fortina consistently pulls out all the stops to deliver comfort on a plate.

Judy’s Bar & Kitchen is nothing like its sister, Tabouli Grill. Here it’s all about Southern cooking right down to the ribs, chicken and waffles, pulled pork sandwiches, sweet tea and cheesy grits. It’s fun and casual and as chef/owner Judy Roll likes to say, it’s “food your mom would cook if she had the time.”

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MEATY TOPICS

STEAK SUPPERS Add sizzle to your night out—dining destinations for when you’re craving something meaty

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great steak is guaranteed to impress, be it a special occasion or a corporate event. So we decided to come up with some of our city’s best places to “steak” your claim. First up is Acuario, another astounding locale serving Peruvian food. Because this South American cuisine is partly known for its flavors from the sea, start with ceviche, any kind, as this lovely marinated fish is native to Peru. Then order the skirt steak from the parilla section.

Ask that it be prepared rare for flavor, juiciness and tenderness.

Brasitas, known for its Latin-fusion food, which includes mouth-watering chicken and fish preparations, makes some mean beef dishes. Our picks are carne asada (flat iron steak served with crispy yucca Brussels sprouts, roasted mushrooms and sun-dried tomato chimichurri) and costillas de res (herbs and Rioja-braised beef short ribs with manchego risotto, oven roasted tomatoes and squash peas). Leave room for dessert!

The Capital Grille might be a chain, but it has the best service, a lovely atmosphere with dark wood and soft lighting and positively terrific food. Pricey, yes, but worth every cent. We say go often to sample everything, but be sure you try the lobster and crab cakes, the wedge salad with blue cheese and bacon—a time-honored classic— and the porcini-rubbed rib eye with balsamic glaze. The sharing plates (creamed spinach, lobster mac ’n’ cheese, parmesan truffle fries) are also worth a try, which is why only one visit is not enough.

ON THE BONE

The tellers rib eye at Prime is a popular choice, especially when shared.

Prime arguably has the best location in town. It sits on the harbor, and its bright décor and open floor plan guarantee that every seat has water views. Its menu offers something for everyone (including lots of sushi), but we go for the 21-day, dry-aged prime beef. Steaks here are served in all sizes so if you have a healthy appetite, the 40-oz. rib eye is for you. It’s tasty with a good fat ratio so it cooks up tender, while still maintaining the chew we crave. Plus, it’s fun to gnaw on the bone.

Have you experienced Gaucho, the Argentinian steakhouse? Steaks are cooked over a wood fire, giving a smoky quality that is irresistible. Hands-down, our favorite offering is the Argentine mixed grill for two: skirt steak, short rib and two types of sausage. Or go out on a limb and opt for the Brazilian mixed grill, which also includes picanha, the popular Brazilian cut of beef with tenderness and flavor similar to sirloin.

You probably heard the news: We no longer must travel to Greenwich or Norwalk to sample the offerings at Blackstones Steakhouse. Having recently taken over the space once housed by Del Frisco’s Grille, this eminent dining destination serves all your favorites: bone-in New York strip, porterhouse for two, bone-in rib eye and filet mignon. The expansive menu includes other pork, lamb and chicken dishes, plus a raw bar. Whatever you opt for, include the beef carpaccio in your order. It is incomparable.

PHOTOGRAPHS: PRIME COURTESY OF THE RESTAURANT

Find time to join the regulars at MacKenzie’s Bar & Grill on High Ridge Road, who keep coming back for its chowders, sliders, sandwiches—pulled pork po’ boy, Cuban, Philly cheese steak, lobster BLT, to name a few. Also worth checking out is the Burger Bar, a menu of classic preparations each served with fries which, we can tell you, are impossible to resist.

Speaking of burgers and fries, check out Plan B Burger, where its signature nohormones/antibiotics, groundin-house meat is prepared exactly as requested. There are thirteen beef burgers to choose from and nine non-beef burgers.

If that’s not enough, there’s a whole section on how to customize a burger, including “in the grass” options for the carbadverse. One added suggestion: Sriracha curly fries.

There’s also Coalhouse Pizza, where a whole lot more is served beyond the coalfired pizza its name describes.

Sure, we love the pies, but also the St. Louis style ribs, chicken wings with fifteen BBQ sauce selections, hot dogs and burgers on the menu (try the Keith Richards, with cheddar, bacon, caramelized onions, tomato, romaine and chipotle aioli). Another must? One of the seventy-two craft beers on tap.

And finally, there is Kano Noodle Bar on Summer Street.

Offering Asian fusion with an emphasis on Vietnamese specialties, this new small but worldly locale will introduce you to dishes you will savor for days.

First time? Try the pork belly baos followed by the beef pho.

We also hear the ramen and the pad thai are stellar.

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POWER MEAL The Argentine mixed grill for two includes servings of skirt steak, short rib and sausage.

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WINE O'CLOCK

Cotto Wine Bar boasts a wine list of 400 labels from around the world.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JULIE BIDWELL

FOOD

PAIRING NOTES

DINE TO WINE Certain occasions call for pairing vino with every course. Here are some places that can claim bragging rights to impressive wine lists

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othing gets a celebration started like a nice glass of bubbly. And once the appetizers come out, some wine to wash each bite down.

As you read this, you probably thought of the always-consistent and popular Barcelona Wine Bar on Summer Street. With a list that numbers almost 300, representing major vintages from around the globe, especially Spain, your biggest challenge will be to narrow down your choices to go with the tapas and small plates your table shares (please try the chorizo with figs) .

Cotto Wine Bar on Bank Street calls itself a contemporary enoteca “with an impassioned wine identity.” Its menu is replete with authentic Italian ingredients and its wine list boasts more than 400 labels divided between the main wine regions of Italy and the rest of the world. Too many choices?

The selection served by the glass is also impressive, and the sommelier is available to make suggestions.

Up in North Stamford is the lovely Madonia Restaurant and Bar. This is a perfect place to go for a special occasion.

It boasts an intimate bar, a dining room with a fireplace and a seasonal menu filled with offerings guaranteed to perk up your taste buds. The wine list, evenly split between Italian and Californian specialties, with a few samples from elsewhere, is bound to have a Barolo vintage you’ve been dying to try with the

spaghetti alla chitarra and New York strip, house specialties.

Down at Harbor Point is one of our favorites, Harlan Social.

It is known for its elevated pub fare—hello Harlan Burger and Crispy Chicken—and some of the most interesting cocktails— Devil Wears Nada is a fave.

Thanks to owner/chef Stephen Lewandowski, we can indulge in charcuterie and cheese boards with shared plates that are always inventive. But we were happy to recently discover its wine list, made up of a modest yet impressive collection of Champagne, prosecco and sparkling rosés from Provence.

This group would be incomplete without Chez Vous Bistro. If you haven’t been, what are you waiting for? It

is like a breath of Parisian air on the corner of Bedford and Spring, with soft French music playing in the background, a chic bar, lots of exposed brick and wood, an attentive staff and all the perfectly prepared French staples you’d expect, along with a wine list to match. No French attitude here.

Our wine tour ends at the trattoria Bar Rosso, an openconcept, two-story eatery on Spring Street serving Neapolitan pizza prepared in its wood-fired oven. Also on the menu are house-made pastas, marketfresh fish, top-grade meats and a Sharers section that includes all the antipasti you can expect.

Imagine pairing all that with samples from its all-Italian wine list. Saluti!

drinks

Karen Kelly

Publisher Stamford Magazine

“My go-to cocktail is the Shirtless John Daly from F.I.S.H. They use Fishers Island Lemonde, fresh brewed tea and a little Jameson and serve it with a lemon wedge in a mason jar.

I like to refer to it as a highbrow Arnold Palmer.

It pairs well with F.I.S.H.’s naked swordfish with julienned vegetables and mangoavocado salsa.

In fact, it goes with everything on the menu.”

The pickle brined Crispy Chicken sandwich at Harlan Social is topped with fontina, bacon mayo and pickles, and served in a brioche bun. A side of truffle frites and a Devil Wears Nada cocktail complete this meal (though a glass of rosé would also work).

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NOW THAT’S ITALIAN

PASTA PERFECT An all-star collection that proves Stamford locals never tire of having too much Italian food

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GRAB-AND-GO

home plates Perfect meals for evenings when you can’t bear the sight of your kitchen KIKU SUSHI This is a sushi place where the fish is always fresh and the bites are never overwrought.

Its menu is hard to beat, and if you’re like us, you’ll be ordering from this Springdale gem once a week. And they deliver!

KOTOBUKI JAPANESE CUISINE Another sushi place worth noting as it is the one many point to as the place where they were turned onto Japanese cuisine. Chef and owner Masanori Sato has been at the helm at this Summer Street location for almost thirty years, and he uses only the highest quality fresh fish for his classic preparations.

KYUSHU RAMEN New to the scene, this great Japanese noodle shop on Bedford Street is no-frills but their offerings so delicious, we’ve been slurping our way through the menu.

LAYLA’S FALAFEL Serving some of the best food from the

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SLURPING REQUIRED

Tonkotsu miso at Kyushu Ramen is a house specialty.

Middle East, such as chicken shawarma and fattoush salad, this High Ridge Road spot is a dependable go-to. Getting a cold? Its lentil soup works miracles.

OLE MOLE Insiders rely on the authenticity of the Mexican dishes prepared at this High Ridge Road spot. The tacos and burritos are delicious and fresh, and deservedly popular, but we suggest you try from the Platillos menu, starting with the Mole Poblano (chicken with mole sauce) and the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (grilled shrimp in a marinade of lime, garlic and spices).

TABOULI GRILL The menu for this Bull’s Head mainstay specializes in Middle Eastern and Israeli cuisine, and ordering is made easy with an online food glossary of each ingredient and dish. Be sure to order Foul, a combo of hummus and fava beans that is too good to pass up. Oh, and they also deliver.

e love our Italian heritage. It has always been strong here. Just look at all the evidence that invites you to mangiare. Bar Zepoli on the corner of Summer and Broad has many singing its praises.

There are several must-have orders: Nonna’s meatballs, gnocchi arrabbiata, seafood risotto and chicken scarpariello.

There’s more but we’re sure you’ll check it out for yourself.

Down in Shippan is the neighborhood favorite, familyowned Café Silvium, the place we go to be pampered.

Winner of this year’s Best of the Gold Coast award for Best Italian, it’s lovely, with a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Prepare to wait; the place is popular and doesn’t take reservations. But it will be worth it, especially if you order the Rigatoni Gnact Gnact, prepared with prosciutto, pancetta and sausage. It’s up to you to find out what the name means.

Bring a healthy appetite to Quattro Pazzi; the portions at this Bedford Street spot are huge. A few suggestions: pasta e fagioli, pesto flatbread, papparedelle with butternut squash, cavatelli Marco Polo (with chicken, sundried tomatoes, broccoli and garlic),

four cheese tortelloni and braised beef in Barolo with gnocchi. Anyone hungry yet?

We add Table 104 Osteria & Bar on Long Ridge Road to this list for several reasons: valet parking; cocktails that ranked high in our Best Bartender competition; starters that include Sicilian arancini and steak tartare; organic greens; and pizza and pasta inventively prepared. Last time we were here, the table shared the Hell and Mission pizzas: the former made with sopressata, long hots, plum tomatoes and mozzarella, and the latter with figs, prosciutto, gorgonzola and honey-truffle oil. Check out the wine list, too.

Kyushu Ramen 235 Bedford St. 203-614-8689 La Perle 15 Bank St. 203-388-8600 laperlect.com Lakeside Diner 1050 Long Ridge Rd. 203-322-2252

Acuario 78 W. Park Pl. 203-998-7722 acuariorestaurant.com Amore Cucina 921 Hope St. 203-357-0836 amorecucina stamford.com Bar Rosso 30 Spring St. 203-388-8640 barrossoct.com Bar Zepoli 75 Broad St. 203-353-3319 barzepoli.com Barcelona 222 Summer St. 203-348-4800 barcelonawinebar.com

Table 104’s garganelli, here prepared with fresh vegetables, toasted walnuts and Parmesan, is a perennial favorite.

Villa Italia Ristorante & Bar, is a genuine culinary experience in authenticity.

Currently it faces Mill River Park but once lived on East Main Street. Also family-owned, its menu reflects the flavors of the owners’ native island of Ponza, off the western coast of Italy.

You’ll find standards like pizza and pasta here, but look for dishes made with flavors of the sea. You’ll be glad you did.

Our last stop is Zaza Italian Gastrobar on Broad Street, a welcoming and playful spot that is popular because of its tapas.

We usually make a meal out of these small plates, especially the roasted truffle sprouts, shrimp scampi and Tuscan beans, although the very thin and crispy pizza and the mozzarella bar are hard to pass up.

Bareburger 21 Harbor Point Rd. 203-890-9686 bareburger.com Bartaco 222 Summer St. 203-323-8226 bartaco.com Bedford Hall 135 Bedford St. 203-973-7888 bedfordhallstamford .com Bedford Thai 77 Bedford St. 203-580-8020 bedfordthai.com Blackstones 101 Broad St. 203-595-5415 blackstonessteakhouse .com Brasitas 954 E. Main St. 203-323-3176 brasitas.com Brother Jimmy’s BBQ 112 Bedford St. 203-504-8123 brotherjimmys.com

Café Oo La La 2325 Summer St. 203-353-3300 Café Silvium 371 Shippan Ave. 203-324-1651 cafesilvium.com

Eos 490 Summer St. 203-569-6250 eosgreekcuisine.com Fiesta on Main 249 Main St. 203-323-4300

Capital Grille 230 Tresser Blvd.

203-967-0000 thecapitalgrille.com

F.I.S.H. Restaurant 245 Bedford St. 203-724-9300 fishstamford.com

Capriccio Café 189 Bedford St. 203-356-9819 capriccio-cafe.com

Flinders Lane 184 Summer St. 203-323-3137 flinderslane-nyc.com

Casa Villa 182 W. Main St. 203-323-1721 casavillarestaurant .com

Fortina 120 Washington Blvd.

203-703-9080 fortinapizza.com

Cask Republic 191 Summer St. 203-348-2275 caskrepublic.com Chez Vous 188 Bedford St. 203-504-8770 chezvousbistro.com Cilantro 60 Atlantic St. 203-914-1666 cilantrostamford.com Coalhouse Pizza 85 High Ridge Rd. 203-977-7700 coalhousepizza.com Columbus Park 205 Main St. 203-967-9191 columbuspark trattoria.com Cotto Wine Bar 51 Bank St. 203-914-1400 cottowinebar.com Crab Shell 46 Southfield Ave. 203-967-7229 crabshell.com

Bull Pan Korean BBQ 485 Summer St. 203-569-9618

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que 845 Canal St. 203-517-3272 dinosaur barbque.com

BV’s Restaurant 268 Atlantic St. 203-883-4320 bobbyvsrestaurant.com

Elm Street Diner 463 Elm St. 203-325-1141 elmstreetdiner.com

Gaucho 78 W. Park Pl. 203-595-5666 gauchostamford.com Granola Bar 700 Canal St. 203-883-0304 thegranolabarct.com Harlan Social 121 Towne St. 203-883-8000 harlansocial.com Hope Street Pizza 230 Hope St. 203-325-0660 Hudson Grille 128 Bedford St. 203-883-8600 hudsongrillect.com Judy’s Bar + Kitchen 927 High Ridge Rd. 203-890-9996 judysbarandkitchen .com Kano Noodle Bar 227 Summer St. 475-619-9025 kanonoodlebar.com Kiku Sushi 1074 Hope St. 203-609-0388 kikusushi.com Kotobuki 457 Summer St. 203-359-4747 kotobukijapanese restaurant.com

Layla’s Falafel 926 High Ridge Rd. 203-461-8004 laylasfalafel.com Lorca 125 Bedford St. 203-973-0077 lorcacoffeebar.com Lucky’s Classic Burger 209 Bedford St. 203-978-0268 luckysclassic.com Mackenzies Bar + Grill 970 High Ridge Rd. 203-322-9888 mackenziesstamford .com Madonia 1297 Long Ridge Rd. 203-322-8870 madoniarestaurant .com Mexicue 15 Harbor Point Rd. 203-558-1764 mexicue.com Navaratna 133 Atlantic St. 203-348-1070 navaratnact.com Noir 225 Summer St. 203-323-2711 noirstamford.com Ole Mole 1030 High Ridge Rd. 203-461-9962 olemolestamford.com

Prime 78 Southfield Ave. 203-817-0700 restaurantprime.com Quattro Pazzi 269 Bedford St. 203-324-7000 quattropazzi.com Remo’s 35 Bedford St. 203-973-0077 remospizza.com Salt Bar 14 Harbor Point Rd. 203-870-9565 Sign of the Whale 6 Harbor Point Rd. 203-883-8282 signofthewhalect.com T’s Pizza Kitchen 523 Pacific St. 203-595-5532 tspizzakitchen.net Table 104 299 Long Ridge Rd. 203-388-8898 table104stamford.com Tabouli Grill 59 High Ridge Rd. 203-504-8888 tabouligrill.com Tawa 487 Glenbrook Rd. 203-359-8977 tawaonline.com Teff 113 W. Main St. 203-998-7474 teffstamford.com Tigín Irish Pub 175 Bedford St. 203-353-8444 tiginirishpub.com Tomato Tomato 401 Shippan Ave. 203-658-8900 tomatotomato.com

Olio 934 Hope St. 203-817-0303 oliostamford.com

Turning Point 55 High Ridge Rd. 203-998-7999 turningpointcoffee roasters.com

Pellicci’s 96 Stillwater Ave. 203-323-2542 pelliccis.com

Verde Galerie 79 Atlantic St. 203-428-4767 verdegalerie.com

Peter Chang 230 Tresser Blvd.

203-323-7117 peterchangct.com

Villa Italia 26 Mill River St, 203-348-7742 villaitaliastamford.com

Pieology 230 Tresser Blvd.

203-388-7669 pieology.com

Volta Gelateria 30 Spring St. 203-883-8841

Plan B Burger 230 Tresser Blvd.

203-964-8353 planbburger.com

Zaza Gastrobar 122 Broad St. 203-348-2300 zazagastrobar.com

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HEROES AMONG US p olly perkins johnson

peter malkin

jeff scanl an

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karen keegan

gary macnamara

lynn villency c ohen

They shed light where there is darkness, offer hope where there is need. meet our 2018 light a fire honorees by jill johnson | phot o gr aphs by mel ani lust hair and makeup by noble sal on: c o c o jiang, erica paronich, gina vasc o-c owher, maria williams

gary mendell

jessica sager

diana degnan

martha stone

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t’s that time of year again— a time when we stoke the flames in our fireplaces to warm our bones and honor those who give back to warm our hearts. There will be no toastier place in November than Moffly Media’s Light a Fire Awards, to be held on Thursday, November 29, at the King School (lightafireawards. com for tickets). Read these interviews with the honorees and you’ll understand why. From a father who lost his son and has since saved countless families from the same pain to a teen determined to get 100,000 meals into the mouths of the hungry around the globe, our honorees believe one person can change the world. And they are changing it— for the better—every day.

New this year is our partnership with the Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, an organization that promotes philanthropy as a means to create lasting change by advising donors, providing training and resources for area nonprofits, and unifying communities through targeted initiatives and programs. Every year a portion of our proceeds from the event has gone to support FCCF’s mission. This year we invited FCCF to highlight two organizations that are closing the opportunity gap for the underserved of Fairfield County.

The honorees, All Our Kin and the Center for Children’s Advocacy, will each receive a $2,500 grant from FCCF. Our other honorees were chosen by our readers who noticed and nominated the most admirable among us. Your thoughtful letters are fuel for the best kind of fire there is. »

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Peter Malkin

organizations: Greenwich Green & Clean, Greenwich Adopt-a-Road and Greenwich Tree Conservancy (founder of all three); Merritt Parkway Conservancy, Greenwich Historical Society, Lincoln Center Emeritus Council (cochairman), National Trust of Historical Preservation (trustee emeritus), Harvard Board of Overseers, Harvard Kennedy School Dean’s Council (chairman emeritus), among numerous others

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Inspiration “My inspiration is my wife, Isabel,” says Peter Malkin. “She has carried on the tradition in her family of community involvement and urged me to as well. She has the

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ideas and it’s my job to carry them out.” He adds, “I believe in the Athenian Oath. The citizens took an oath to leave the city better than they found it, and I feel that is everyone’s responsibility.”

Courage into Action “Our family feels very fortunate to live in this extraordinary community,” says Malkin, who has called Greenwich home since 1966. “We think it’s important

that residents undertake programs for the benefit of the community and not simply rely upon the government. I’m a strong believer in public-private partnerships, where individuals provide ideas and initiate programs that support what the government may not be able or choose to do.” The list of all that Malkin has done is too long to include here, but he humbly mentioned several highlights.

“I’m really proud of preserving and enhancing our landmark former downtown post office.

I led the purchase and the restoration and enhancement of the building by Restoration Hardware as a tenant,” he says.

“The other is chairing the capital campaign for the Greenwich Historical Society, which opened its new structure on October 6.”

“Peter Malkin is a visionary who rolls up his sleeves and reaches new heights,” comments JoAnn Messina, executive director of Greenwich Tree Conservancy. “He has routinely seen opportunities in town that need attention and has created a solution, the Greenwich Tree Conservancy being one. He saw the dying and degradation of trees and with a handful of like-minded individuals began the GTC, which is thriving under his leadership a decade later.”

Hopes & Dreams “The crucial thing is that these activities continue,” says Malkin. “I think that one of my responsibilities is to help select and support the staff of each organization, the people who carry the programs forward. My hope is that Greenwich will continue to preserve and improve the things that make it special.”

Polly Perkins Johnson organization: Future Five

BEST FRIEND TO CHILDREN Inspiration “Cliff McFeely decided to launch a new nonprofit in 2009 and someone suggested he call Eads Johnson,” recounts Polly Perkins Johnson, a New Canaan resident.

“My sweet, adorable husband told him, ‘You don’t want me. You want my wife!’ I knew when I met Cliff that it was time to take all the amazing lessons I learned from my career launching and turning around magazines and help him realize his dream of Future Five, which stands for the five most important people to help you find a path to an appropriate college and an ideal future career. We believe that the difference between the poor and the rich is not just money; it’s also the connections that more affluent individuals have. If you believe you can change your life— whether you have a 1.7 or 3.7 GPA—we will work with you.”

Courage into Action “For the first few years, keeping the door open is a major achievement,” says Perkins Johnson. “You’re going month to month, donor to donor, student to student— doing anything you can with the little money you have.” She was instrumental in creating the board of directors in 2013. “Pulling that together is something I’m very proud of,” she says. During the past year, she has helped Future Five, based in Stamford, secure space in an adjoining building,

adding 2,100 square feet to their existing 1,400. The organization has grown from one workshop and fifteen students to sixty mentors/ coaches, 150 students including forty-eight graduating seniors going to college, and an annual budget of $800,000. “Polly is way beyond chairman of the board; she is my business partner, and we would not be anywhere near where we are today if her energy had not been part of the propulsion,” says McFeely.

Hopes & Dreams “We have hired a new executive director, and our hope is to create a sustainable organization that’s here for the next ten to fifty years,” explains Perkins Johnson.

“We are so happy with our model of networking and taking a holistic approach to working with kids. We help with parent issues, personal issues, getting a driver’s license, getting into college, and then from college to job-hunting.”

She is comfortable that now is the time to pass the chairman baton. “Cliff and I—we are like the entrepreneurial grandparents,” she says. “Our hope is to pass on the infrastructure and have hundreds of kids go through this new beautiful space. One thing I swore when I came on was that we would create an organization that will live on successfully beyond the founders and be a major part of the Stamford community for many years.” »

Karen Keegan organization: Greenwich United Way (GUW)

OUTSTANDING LEADER Inspiration “My early inspiration came from my parents,” says Karen Keegan.

“They were always involved in community service.” Keegan followed suit, and while at UCLA for a master’s in business, finance, and marketing, she earned an Outstanding Community Service Award. While living in London, she joined the Junior League.

In 1993, the family moved to Greenwich. The Great Recession hit and took a toll. “The financial need in the town was going up while private funding of services was going down,” says Keegan, who joined the board of the Greenwich United Way. “Across the country most United Ways were experiencing declines in fundraising. If the United Way in Greenwich could figure out what to do, we would be a beacon to other communities. That was exciting to me.”

Courage into Action “In 2015 we restructured the organization. We changed every aspect of our business in order to meet increasing needs, give donors quantifiable results and meet the needs of our partners.”

When the CEO resigned in 2015, Keegan helped lead the organization for almost a year.

“That year the board led the organization as a team. We worked hand in hand with staff and shoulder to shoulder with other town agencies. The whole

community got behind the effort.”

Fellow board member Brook Urban comments: “Leaders inspire, motivate, create, manage, listen, guide, take risks, build teams and move an organization forward. As a GUW board member since January 2010 and the chair of the board from January 2015 to January 2018, Karen did all of these things in an outstanding manner, all the time.”

GUW CEO David Rabin states: “Without Karen’s approach to the challenges that faced the GUW when she became board chair, we would not be anywhere near as well positioned to address the health, education and selfsufficiency needs facing our most vulnerable population. Karen has allowed the GUW to continue its mission for another eighty-five years and beyond.”

Hopes & Dreams Keegan serves on numerous committees at GUW and beyond.

“Given the funding landscape in our state, and in Fairfield County in particular, budget constraints on nonprofits are on the rise” she says.

“More and more people will be unable to afford basic needs, so we need individuals to come forward with personal support, whether through hands-on help, sharing expertise or lending financial support. We all have something to give. We must get behind the needs of our neighbors. It’s the only way forward.”

Phone calls flooded in from people Brian had helped: staying up all night to give a depressed patient hope; whispering “It’s going to be OK” in the ear of a new arrival.

Courage into Action

Gary Mendell organization: Shatterproof

MOST DEDICATED HEALTH ADVOCATE Inspiration “It was a situation that happens too often,” says Easton resident Gary Mendell. “My son Brian went into the woods with friends to try beer or pot, as kids do. If ten kids try it, one will get addicted.” Heavier drugs followed. “Brian had a little anxiety. Did that first beer soothe

his anxiety? Maybe. By his junior year, it became a problem.” The school psychologist recommended a wilderness program, which went well but the ensuing therapeutic high school did not. “It led to eight different programs,” says Mendell.

“We didn’t realize their treatments were not based on current science.

In his seventh program, Brian was put on medication. He never used substances again. The final program advised he go off it. On October 20, 2011, Brian wrote a suicide note, lit a candle and took his life,” recounts Mendell. He was 25.

“Four months before that he told me, ‘I wish that someday people would realize I’m not a bad person; I’m a good person with a bad disease, and I’m trying my hardest,’” says Mendell. He felt frustrated by the programs’ inconsistencies, misunderstood and ashamed.

“I was inspired by Brian to help others” explains Mendell. “I learned we had all this research in medical journals, not being used.

For every major disease, we have a well-funded national organization.

But nothing for addiction. I remember thinking how this information could start saving lives.” He founded Shatterproof five months after Brian died.

“Gary is unyielding in his goal to change the way our country thinks about and treats addiction,” says Holly Jesperson, Shatterproof ’s senior communications manager.

The nonprofit has passed lifesaving legislation in fifteen states, established a community alliance program with over 1,300 ambassadors, advocated for safer opioid prescribing practices, hosted the largest event series for addiction ever with the Shatterproof Challenge Rappel and created a national standard of care for addiction, among numerous other accomplishments.

The most impactful moments for Mendell have been hugs from people whose family members have been saved by Shatterproof.

Hopes & Dreams Shatterproof is poised to transform unregulated, outdated rehabs into regulated treatment programs.

“We are close to finalizing $6 million in funding to build a rating system for every treatment program in the country,” he says. »

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Diana Degnan organization: Feed My Starving Children

OUTSTANDING TEEN VOLUNTEER Inspiration “I had gone to [food] packing events since I was a little girl and fell in love with them,” says Diana Degnan, a Darien resident who attends the King School in Stamford. At the events volunteers pack the organization’s

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MannaPack rice meals, which are then shipped to remote areas in the world. “You were helping kids in a way you could really see and feel. I would be there for two hours, but it felt like fifteen minutes. The events were organized through local churches

the go-ahead to launch her own MobilePack event, which would require raising $22,000. “I went to big corporations and asked how to best approach the fundraising aspect,” says Degnan. “I did a big email campaign to everyone I had in my contacts and raised about $9,000.” She then planned three field hockey clinics, which her coach from King volunteered to run. She raised another $5,000. “I have $8,000 more to go before the event, which will be in March. I’m doing a ‘King Talk,’ an assembly where I’ll talk about what I’m working on.” Degnan finds public speaking a little daunting, but she’s not deterred: “I’ve been working so hard and am so excited, so I want to share it.”

Kathleen O’Rourke, director of marketing and communications at King, comments: “All sixththrough twelfth-grade students at King will pack over 100,000 meals to be sent to children in need throughout the world. Diana is so excited for the event because it will allow kids in our community to make a real difference in the lives of thousands of hungry children throughout the world.” and Darien High School. I wanted to bring it to King, as I thought a lot of my friends and community would love it, too.”

Courage into Action “I contacted the organization and found out how to have an event, how many meals we would need, how much it would cost—all the details,” explains Degnan. “I made a PowerPoint presentation and presented it to the administration at school.” She was persuasive with both her school and Feed My Starving Children and got

Hopes & Dreams “I really hope that people fall in love with the event and that others are inspired to do something like this in the future, with a charity they are passionate about,” says Degnan. “I hope they will see that you can make an impact when you are a kid and that community service can be really fun!”

Want to help Degnan reach her goal? Contribute at give.fmsc.org/kingschool

Jeff Scanlan organization: Homes with Hope

OUTSTANDING COMMITTEE MEMBER Inspiration “I joined the board of Homes with Hope in 2006,” says Easton resident Jeff Scanlan. “I’d just retired from Wall Street and I had time. The idea that there were homeless in Westport was a bit of a shock to me.” In 2007 Scanlan was named chairman of the newly formed fundraising committee. “Homes with Hope started in 1984, as an emergency shelter for men, where food was served,” explains Scanlan.

“We wanted to create an event to jack up our fundraising so we could offer more.”

Courage into Action “There’s nothing funny about homelessness, but we thought we could attract an audience with comedy,” says Scanlan. “Stand Up for Homes with Hope is a play on comedy and on what we want people to do. It’s not only entertainment. We tell the audience about Homes with Hope, which now offers forty-one units of permanent housing and shelters at the Gillespie Center and Project Return in Westport. In 2008, we sheltered fifty-two people a night; now we’re at 115. Some of our clients get up in front of this rapt audience and share how they became homeless and how Homes with Hope got them back on their feet. It takes a lot of courage on their part, and listening you realize you may not be so far away from

being homeless. Life can unravel quickly.”

The first year the committee underwrote the appearance of Lewis Black to a sold-out crowd at the Quick Center. “The evening was a remarkable success,” says Jeff Weiser, president of Homes with Hope. “Since 2008, this iconic event has entertained over 6,500 people and has netted our agency nearly $2 million. Jeff has spearheaded every committee meeting, and subsequent versions of this critical annual appeal have welcomed the likes of Martin Short, Paula Poundstone, Wayne Brady and Darrell Hammond.”

Scanlan says: “This community is amazing. We always have a full house at the event, and serving dinner at the Gillespie Center is the hottest ticket around. We hardly ever have any openings— that’s 30,000 meals a year.” Scanlan also emphasizes the importance of the permanent supportive housing Homes with Hope offers.

“This is for people with diagnosed mental illness who are chronically homeless. Without it, they’d be homeless again,” he explains.

“We all know people with family members with these problems, but the people we are housing are without that family support.”

Hopes & Dreams “Some people are under the impression that we’ve solved

homelessness around here,” says Scanlan. “I don’t think we ever will, but we have come a long way in alleviating it. My hope is that this community, and Fairfield County in general, continues to support the homeless in the way they have. The work of Homes with Hope is so vital because for the homeless, hope starts with a roof over your head.” »

$30,000.” Every year MacNamara struts for one mile down the Post Road in a towering pair of red high heels to draw attention to the role men can play in breaking the cycles of violence against women. “Chief MacNamara’s leadership has helped galvanize the community around this issue in an engaging, high-profile way,” says Deb. MacNamara has also been involved with Fairfield Cares for many years. “For the last two years, I have cochaired a coalition to try to reduce substance abuse among residents, particularly youth in the community.” He is particularly proud of their Life Not Wasted campaign. “The goal of the coalition is to not only serve the young adults, but also bring them into the coalition, so they are the ones getting the message out,” explains MacNamara. “It’s twofold: #lifenotwasted meaning my life is not going to be wasted using substances, and a positive spin— like ‘I just climbed a mountain’ or ‘I just ran a marathon’ #lifenotwasted.”

Hopes & Dreams

Gary MacNamara organizations: Center for Family Justice, Fairfield Cares Community Coalition, CT Police Chief Association

BEST FRIEND TO WOMEN Inspiration “The people at the Center for Family Justice (CFJ) really inspired me,” says Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara. “In law enforcement, our paths cross with a lot of outside agencies.

Our response is often limited, so

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agencies like CFJ help us to help victims. Around the country, there are a variety of Walk a Mile events [men’s marches to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence]. Deb Greenwood [CFJ’s president] and I were having coffee, talking about

how to bring awareness to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. We decided we should do a Walk a Mile event in Fairfield. We all can be victims of crime, but to be victims on such a personal level, we wanted to raise awareness of how impactful that is.”

Courage into Action CFJ’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is now in its sixth year. “The first year we probably had 200 walkers,” says MacNamara. “Last April we had 1,300 and raised close to

“My hope is that people realize the impact they can have, within arms reach,” says MacNamara.

“Often we look at global problems and forget about local solutions.

Domestic violence and sexual assault are global issues, but there are people in your community doing something about it.” He has been doing just that for his thirtyyear career as a police officer. He recently announced his retirement and looks forward to his new role as executive director of Public Safety and Governmental Affairs at Sacred Heart University.

Lynn Villency Cohen organization: Stamford Museum & Nature Center

MOST DEDICATED SUPPORTER OF THE ARTS Inspiration “My family was the catalyst for my dedication to the arts,” says Lynn Villency Cohen. “My mother dabbled in music, languages, opera and great literature. My father worked as a news reporter, PR executive and writer. And my uncle was an artist and noted furniture designer. In travels to Europe with my parents, I would take notes as an eleven-yearold about ceiling frescoes and paintings.” Villency Cohen earned two master’s in art history (from Boston University and Oxford) and worked in Washington, D.C., for the Commissioner’s Art Advisory Panel.

Courage into Action When Villency Cohen moved to Stamford over twenty years ago, she immediately became involved with the Stamford Museum & Nature Center (SMNC). “I have worked on a wide array of projects,” she says, “most notably chairing the collections committee to ensure the care and thoughtful display of the art and natural history collection throughout the Bendel mansion, as well as maintaining a robust exhibition line-up of educational, fun shows.”

Kirsten Reinhardt, former curator of collections and exhibitions, comments, “Lynn’s knowledge of art history, her keen eye for contemporary art talent

and her conscientious insistence on fiscal responsibility ensured that the exhibitions schedule was robust, interesting and complementary to the mission of the SMNC. She was hands-on and involved while respectful of the professional responsibilities of the staff—a true team player who made time to jury art shows, solicit donations and support exhibition openings.”

Villency Cohen is involved in plans for the new Farmhouse, which will bring cooking and art classes, speaker events, environmental offerings and more exhibitions to the SMNC. “It’s without a doubt a most exciting time in the eighty-two year history of this institution,” she says. “I’ve always felt when one enters, you come upon a magical universe,” she adds. Her husband has also been an enthusiastic supporter of SM&NC and her daughter an avid volunteer.

Hopes & Dreams “My hope is that I have dedicated myself in every way possible to advancing the growth of this institution’s journey and to ensure that it will continue to bring joy, learning, healing and excitement to the next generation of visitors,” she says. “While the arts may not be as crucial as progress and discoveries in science and medicine, museum

and art offerings bring joy, enhance learning and offer shared experiences, which can affect life for the better.

Visiting a museum or historical property, or attending a theater or music performance, serves to engage, heal, enrich and enlarge our worlds, making our lives fuller, which in turn helps us understand our most complex, intricate world.” »

q&a with executive director of all our kin

Jessica Sager

FAIRFIELD COUNTY’S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION c o m m u n i t y i m p a c t aw a r d COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD conversation. By valuing and investing in these childcare providers and these families, with the help of partners like FCCF, we are engaging the broader public in a different way.

This really is what will lead to these gains being sustained and deepened over time.

What is All Our Kin’s mission?

Our mission it to train, support and sustain family childcare providers offering home care in areas desperately in need of childcare and to give our youngest children high-quality, earlylearning experiences that will allow them to succeed in school and in life.

What does the future hold?

The Fairfield County Community Foundation is based on the values of diversity, equity and collaboration. How does All Our Kin’s mission fit these values?

It constantly astonishes me, the way in which we as a nation have failed to invest in and support families, particularly families with very young children. Families with barriers to accessing care really struggle, and it plays out in the opportunity gap.

We foster diversity, equity and justice on so many levels: investing in caregivers, giving them the educational tools they need, enabling them to create businesses and giving them a voice in the childcare system; giving parents the support they need so they can succeed in the workplace, and giving children the early learning services they need to be successful. It is essential that all families have access to highquality, nurturing childcare. People

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assume the women offering to care for children in poor communities can’t give high-quality care. At All Our Kin, we say the opposite.

These women are already leaders in their communities.

What do you see as All Our Kin’s biggest accomplishments?

We are making an enormous

difference in the supply of homebased childcare for infants and toddlers. We also are having a profound impact on the quality of that care. We are impacting provider earning and quality of life, and parents are entering and remaining in the workplace.

What I’m proudest of is that we’ve really changed the

We’re creating more All Our Kin networks. We are in Bridgeport and Stamford/Norwalk and have already launched a partnership in Danbury. We continue to deepen and expand our programs, as we learn more about what children need. We are also expanding our training through partner agencies. We will keep working to change the conversation around family childcare, build connections and partnerships, and incorporate these home caregivers in a deeper way into the childcare network Juanita James, president of FCCF, comments: “We are truly blessed to have All Our Kin working to support local family childcare providers caring for young children in Connecticut.

There is probably no other nonprofit in the country that has done as much in this field, and All Our Kin was ‘born’ right here in our state!”

q&a with executive director of center for children’s advocacy

Martha Stone

FAIRFIELD COUNTY’S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD minor behavior problems. We also got a law passed that bans out-of-school suspensions of preschoolers through second graders, so those kids can stay in school with the right support.

We’ve developed a band of pro bono attorneys to help undocumented kids who are eligible to remain in the country.

Together we’ve represented over one hundred abandoned and abused undocumented kids.

Ninety-five percent of the kids we represent stay in school.

What is the Center for Children’s Advocacy’s mission?

Our mission is to protect lowincome children and fight for their rights, including rights to services from the juvenile justice, education, child welfare and healthcare systems. Our legal services help kids by reducing problems that are interfering with school achievement and health.

We also advocate for systemic reforms and help parents, doctors and other professionals learn about children’s rights and how to advocate for kids.

What does the future hold?

Fairfield County Community Foundation is based on the values of diversity, equity and collaboration. How does CCA’s mission fit these values?

Our advocacy is based on the belief that all children should have equal opportunities to succeed. In Bridgeport we’ve brought together schools, police, the juvenile court and community organizations to reduce the number of youths of color who enter the juvenile justice system, and we’re collaborating with parents to improve education for kids learning English. We also teach about the rights of kids with disabilities to participate in afterschool programs and camps.

What do you see as CCA’s biggest accomplishments?

Our juvenile justice reforms stopped the state from locking up runaways and truants like they were criminals and made sure the kids get help with what’s causing their behavior. We’ve also changed the way the system decides what to do with kids and reduced

the number of youths sent to juvenile detention. We’ve brought restorative justice into secure juvenile facilities to teach youth how to avoid problem behavior.

We led the overhaul of alternative school programs across the state and helped Bridgeport schools reduce the number of kids arrested for

We’d like to bring our mobile legal van to Stamford to serve that area.

In January we’ll start training pro bono attorneys to represent youth aging out of foster care who are not ready to be independent. In Norwalk, we’re collaborating on a project that supports immigrant children as they strive for academic success and hope to roll this program out to other districts.

FCCF President Juanita James says: “We salute the longstanding work of CCA. The Center’s combination of legal advocacy and community partnerships has turned around the lives of hundreds of vulnerable youth.

The staff is relentless in pursuing positive outcomes for their clients.” S

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FOOD, CATERING & LODGING

Drew Klotz Kinetic Sculpture . . . . 23

Elm Street Diner . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Harbor Point Wines & Spirits . . . . . 27 Mackenzie’s Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . 10 Marcia Selden Catering & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT RMS Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

BUSINESS & FINANCE Broder & Orland LLC . . . . . . . . . 56 Cacace, Tusch & Santagata . . . . . 27 Cummings & Lockwood LLC . . . 8, 19 Davidson, Dawson & Clark LLP . . . 39 Law Office of Thomas M. Shanley . . 56 Pullman & Comley, LLC . . . . . . . . 57 Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin, LLC . . . . 57

EDUCATION & CHILDREN Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy of Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

ENTERTAINMENT 95.9, The Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Curtain Call Theatre . . . . . . . . . . 11 The Palace Theatre Stamford . . . . 36

EVENTS 5th Annual Greenwich Restaurant Week . . . . . . . . . . 14 10th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Village . . . . . 47 A-list Awards Thank You . . . . . . . . 50 Antiquarius MMXVIII to Benefit the Greenwich Historical Society Art and History Education Programs . . . . . . . . 43 The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling & Education Invites You to our Annual Gingerbread Houses & Cocktails For A Cause . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Fairfield County's Community Foundation Community Impact Awards . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Light a Fire 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 More Than Pink Luncheon . . . . . . 47

FASHION Roundabout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

HEALTH & BEAUTY Atria Stamford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 The Nathaniel Witherell . . . . . . . . 25 Norwalk Hospital with MSK Physicians . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Stamford Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Yale New Haven Health/ Greenwich Hospital . . . . . . . . . . 3

JEWELRY Chopard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Lux Bond & Green . . . . . . Cover 2, 1 Manfredi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 New Canaan Fine Jewelers . . . Cover 4 Peter Suchy Jewelers . . . . . . Cover 3 Roberto Coin . . . . . . . . . Cover 2, 1 Rolex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 4

NONPROFIT Adopt-A-Dog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

REAL ESTATE Barbara Hickey, Sotheby’s/ William Pitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

TRANSPORTATION Rudy's Executive Transportation . . 29

MISCELLANEOUS Big Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Westy Self Storage . . . . . . . . . . 36 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 STAMFORD

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Last Word PRESENTS

by beth levine

The Artful Shopper When gifts truly are the best way to keep on giving

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staunch Democrat, I found a T-shirt for my conservative father-in-law that read, “Nixon in ’96. Tanned Rested and Ready.” The fact that for years afterwards I continued to get mailings from the Nixon Library was a small price to pay to hear his laugh. My sister-inlaw who loves loons? I grabbed that pair of loon earrings the second I saw them.

I especially love finding gifts that require a bit of wangling or ingenuity. My biggest coup was the year I found a book on the Adirondacks in The Ferguson Library’s Friends Book Shop that happened to feature photos of Bill’s family’s original camp that had burnt down years before. I tracked down the author who sold me copies of the photos, which I gave to all the family members.

Everybody was so touched.

Lately, however, I’ve noticed that my shopping list gets just a little bit smaller with every year. My father-in-law passed away in 2012; friends have drifted away. As the kids grew up, we cut back on the largesse. And this year, we lost the Queen of Christmas herself, my mother-in-law. I’m not sure we will ever

gather again in the Berkshires to spend the day downing champagne and opening gifts.

As they sort through the contents of the old house, Bill and his brothers suggested that we should each take back whatever we had originally given their parents. At first this seemed like the saddest idea ever.

How could I find places for gifts that I chose that only would appeal to them? But then it hit me: If the original intent of giving was to acknowledge who the recipients were, then maybe taking them back is a way for us to remember them. They become the gifts that really do keep on giving. And that’s certainly worth opening another bottle of S champagne. Cheers!

Beth Levine is choked up that her husband knows her so well that he once got her an electric hedge clipper rather than a dozen roses.

Bethlevine.net; @BethLevine75

PHOTOGRAPHS: PORTRAIT BY JOHN MARTIN; PRESENTS BY ©KREUS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

T

he first time I tagged along with my husband, Bill, to my in-laws’ house in the Berkshires for Christmas, I didn’t know what I was in for. Mimosas were served around 9 a.m., and champagne flowed until bedtime. Opening presents was an all-day affair. My family is Jewish, and our restrained Chanukah celebrations had left me woefully unprepared for this giftstravaganza. I wasn’t sure how to react.

I had never written lists of gifts I wanted other people to give me; I never bought more than a few small things for others. “What do you all want for Christmas?” my mother-inlaw would ask every year, and I would hem and haw. It felt very unnatural to direct people on how to please us. Plus, I didn’t know what was appropriate—how big was too big or how little too small. As I stumbled my way through, I am sure I made embarrassing missteps that live on in someone’s memory.

Gradually, I got with the program. The gift buying aspect of the holidays changed for me, from an onerous, anxiety-inducing chore to something more like love. I thrilled at the hit of dopamine I got when I found just the right thing for someone that would show them I knew who they were, listened, and appreciated their interests. (You will never get a generic singing bass or a Hail Mary drugstore perfume from me!)

Examples? One year, even though I am a

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