Stamford - May/June 2021 by Moffly Media

the polished look

st e pha n i e ku rsa r

l at i n a m e r ica n fo od

Photographing life’s beautiful moments

A food-writer’s guide to Stamford eats

STAMFORD A new mom-and-daughter start-up

AROUND THE CITY: 4 L o c a l s S h a r e T h e i r Fa v o r i t e P l a c e s • T h e S t a m f o r d S y m p h o n y • L o f t A r t i s t s A s s o c i a t i o n • Fu n Fa s h i o n

the

GOOD LIFE 125 WAYS to love where you live, from SIMPLE JOYS to LUXE TREATS

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Wine & Dine “Imaginative farm-to-table dining” Town & Country Magazine

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singular in design “Edgy incarnations of luxury” Condé Nast Traveler

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contents MAY/JUNE 2021 vol. 12 | no. 3

feature

departments 14 EDITOR’S LETTER

by diane talbot sembrot

17 STATUS REPORT

THE GOOD LIFE

BUZZ Four Stamford devotees share their favorite local places; shopping at Whim; pretty nails with Pink Chawkulit; photographer Stephanie Kursar; First Presbyterian Church

Our guide to living the good life in Fairfield County, from small indulgences to once-in-a-lifetime splurges Home Smart guilt-free investments, including decked-out patios, over-the-top garages and innovative home studios

SHOP Mother’s Day/Father’s Day finds DO Foam rolling; art for all at Loft Artists Association; uplifting music of the Stamford Symphony; summer books

Things to Do Getting out of the house in a luxe and safe way: cars, planes and boats—and great destinations

GO Mayflower Inn; island hopping

Family Time Upping the family agenda with creative activity kits, children’s programs, camps and more

EAT The transformed Columbus Park Trattoria; Latin-American food around Stamford; PopUp Bagels

Style Stylish fashion, home décor, jewelry and more great finds at area boutiques

58 MONEY MATTERS

Private aviation 87 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

88 POSTSCRIPT by d onna mof f ly

top: The Collective, for fresh home finds in Stamford bottom: Stamford Symphony Music Director Michael Stern

on the cover: enjoying the go od life with hinckley tal aria 43 |

photo gr aphy: gary john norman

STAMFORD MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 2021, VOL. 12, NO. 3 // STAMFORD MAGAZINE is published bimonthly by Moffly Media, Inc., 205 Main St., Westport, CT 06880. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to STAMFORD MAGAZINE, P.O. BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607. stamfordmag.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: THE COLLECTIVE BY TOM MCGOVERN ; STERN BY TONI DOLCE

HOME Color and shape trends

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digital content & MORE

may/june 2021

STAMFORDMAG.com In the July/August issue, we reveal the winners of our highly anticipated readers’ poll:

BEST OF THE GOLD COAST CT!

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

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CELEBRATING THE SCENE STEALERS

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All items are pre-owned and consigned to The RealReal. Trademarks are owned by their respective brand owners. No brand owner endorses or sponsors this ad or has any association and/or affiliation with The RealReal.

GREAT FOOD GREAT SERVICE

vol. 12 | no. 3 | may/june 2021 editorial editorial director Cristin Marandino–cristin.marandino@moffly.com

Outdoor Dining Coming Soon

editor, stamford; fairfield living; westport Diane Sembrot–diane.sembrot@moffly.com style director Megan Gagnon–megan.gagnon@moffly.com contributing editors Elizabeth Hole–editor, custom publishing Julee Kaplan–editor, new canaan • darien Amy Vischio–creative director-at-large, athome books correspondent

Emily Liebert copy editors Terry Christofferson, Kathryn Satterfield, Scott Thomas contributing writers Liz Barron, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Kim Marie Evans, Nikki Glor; Mary Kate Hogan, Elizabeth Keyser, Joey Macari, Jill Johnson Mann, Malia McKinnon Frame editorial advisory board Harry Day, Juanita James, PJ Kennedy Jamie Krug, Michael Marchetti, Arthur Selkowitz Jami Sherwood, Lou Ursone

art senior art director Venera Alexandrova–venera.alexandrova@moffly.com senior art director Garvin Burke–garvin.burke@moffly.com production director Tim Carr–tim.carr@moffly.com design assistant Taylor Stroili–taylor.stroili@moffly.com senior photographer Bob Capazzo

digital media director of content strategy Diane Sembrot–diane.sembrot@moffly.com digital marketing manager Rachel MacDonald–rachel.macdonald@moffly.com

Serving North Stamford and the surrounding communities since 2007.

digital assistant Lloyd Gabi–loyd.gabi@moffly.com

970 High Ridge Road • Stamford

Calendar@Moffly.com Editor@StamfordMag.com Weddings@StamfordMag.com

1/2 mile south of the Merritt Parkway

203.322.9888

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TRUSTS AND ESTATES

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

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vol. 12 | no. 3 | may/june 2021 publisher

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sales & marketing Andrew Amill publisher, greenwich andrew.amill@moffly.com Gina Fusco publisher, new canaan•darien•rowayton gina.fusco@moffly.com Gabriella Mays publisher, westport•weston•wilton gabriella.mays@moffly.com Jonathan Moffly publisher, athome, fairfield living publisher-at-large, greenwich jonathan.moffly@moffly.com Hilary Hotchkiss account executive hilary.hotchkiss@moffly.com Rick Johnson account executive rick.johnson@moffly.com Kathleen Godbold partnership and big picture manager kathleen.godbold@moffly.com Rachel Shorten events director rachel.shorten@moffly.com

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BEST OF THE GOLD COAST CT

We reveal the winners of our annual readers’ poll.

BEST OF STAMFORD

Our readers pick their local favorites.

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editor’s letter

MAY/JUNE 2021 / DIANE TALBOT SEMBROT

SCAN TO VISIT US

HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP

hat is “the good life”? It means a lot of different things, depending on who you ask and when you ask. One day it might mean the freedom to take a first-class trip abroad. Another day, it might be about embracing the raw beauty of the everyday. Consider, let’s say, Stamford mom and entrepreneur Khandice O’Kelley, who launched a nail-color business during the pandemic. Her business partner and chief color-namer is her daughter, Taylor. For Mother’s Day, Khandice says her perfect day is time spent with Taylor—and to get a manicure, of course. I love that! In this issue, we look at different ways people express what makes up a good life. For example, do something that is daring, ambitious and important, and make it historic! I’m thinking of the First Presbyterian Church, a.k.a. the Fish Church, which is celebrating a distinction as a national historic landmark. Built in the 1950s, its groundbreaking design was created by a famous architect. One look at it tells you he didn’t choose the safe approach and, instead, poured meaning into every decision. It endures as a proud local landmark. For another example of a good life, consider the pure pleasure of spending a day in your favorite neighborhood. We asked our Instagram followers to nominate Stamfordites who eat, breathe, sleep and generally just champion living here. You gave us great ideas! Inside are four locals who have lived here for just a few years to many years and share the places they love most. It’s an insider’s track to

stamfordmag.com

great neighborhood restaurants to secret spots for stunning views. What if you live to eat? Well, then you and I speak the same language, and, thankfully, there are lots of places to find food cooked with love in every part of Stamford. Writer Elizabeth Keyser submitted a guide to Latin American food in which she lists places to try and what to order. She was so into the assignment that she practically had it half written just through our email exchanges, in which she described, in delicious detail, the outstanding dishes at her go-to places. Try some! We also throw a chef ’s kiss to Columbus Park Trattoria. This long-loved family restaurant used the pandemic downtime to redesign. It was a bold move, and needed. The result emerges just as restrictions ease, which adds to the celebration. Also, obviously, don’t miss our feature story, “The Good Life,” which offers more than 100 ideas for enjoying where we live. (If you buy the boat on the cover, be sure to call me!) As the weather warms, explore Stamford, from the quiet back roads to the buzzy downtown to the peaceful waterside—and enjoy all that it has to offer. Day by day, take in the pleasures of living a good life right here. Before you go, take a look at the graphic on the left-hand side of this page. We’re trying something new! Scan this Flowcode to try a different way of connecting with us, your hometown magazine. Let’s stay in touch!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIAM TAUFIC

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buzz Q& A STATUS REPORT

SPOTLIGHT ON LOCALS

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELSNER BY CAROLYN D’ANDREA; JOSEPH BY KRISSY & KENNY LLC; OTHERS, CONTRIBUTED

AIMEE ELSNER

Occupational therapist, yoga teacher and studio owner

ALEX JOSEPH

Coach, personal trainer and studio owner

KATIE CULLEN

ADAM COGNETTA

Teacher of the hearing impaired

Vice president of a commercial real estate brokerage firm

home advantage 4 Stamford-loving residents share their local favorites What does enjoying “the good life” in Stamford mean on a personal level? We asked our Instagram followers to nominate all-but-verified Stamford devotees about their favorite places and why they love it here more than any other place. Here’s what they shared. by joey macari

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

buzz

Q& A

SPOTLIGHT ON LOCALS

AIMEE ELSNER

ALEX JOSEPH

Occupational therapist, yoga teacher and studio owner of CT Power Yoga

Former NFL player, strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer and cofounder of Xenhouse Training

“My job right now is extremely humbling. I have an opportunity to change someone’s life and push them to be the best version of themselves. It’s a wake-up call for me to set an example, give back and learn. My colleagues— Desmond Hinds, Ross Bertrand and Richard Rodriguez— and I are planning on opening our training facility, Xenhouse, this spring.”

Town Tradition “Hope in Motion—I started as a participant after my breast cancer diagnosis twelve years ago and continued ever since.” Best View “Seated on my chair from West Beach.” Coffee Spot “That is a hard one. Turning Point Coffee Roasters is my go-to, and when I am downtown, I stop at Lorca. Flat white with oat milk is my favorite.”

above: Turning Point offers a delivery service to bring your favorites to you.

above: Nearly all of Funky Hippie’s finds are made in Connecticut.

Stamford Resident 20+ years

Longtime Business “Pacific Cycling and Triathlon is my bike place, Awesome Toys and Gifts is my kids’ gift place, and The Funky Hippie is my spiritual-needs store.”

Town Tradition “My wife and I get McDonald’s on Valentine’s Day, sit at Cove Beach and watch the sunset.”

New Place “Whim. I love their clothes, they have great prices, and it’s fun!”

Best View “Driving toward Cove Beach on Weed Avenue during a summer sunset.”

Restaurant “Tabouli Grill for Judy’s chopped salad with the veggie chopped liver and Layla’s Falafel—their falafel wrap is amazing.”

Coffee Spot “My wife makes some dope coffee using Bustelo.” Longtime Business “Every Friday we have pizza night and Sergio’s is our go-to.”

What Makes Stamford Great “I love how you can go a few miles north to hike in the woods and a few miles south to go to the beach. Also, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I had not lived here long and still people delivered food, helped with my children and supported our family in so many ways.”

New Place “I’d say Corbo’s Deli in Harbor Point.” Restaurant “Café Silvium—a large glass of wine while we wait, and my favorite meal is their lasagna.” What Makes Stamford Great “Stamford is a place of diversity, filled with great people. Stamford has many names. People like to say we are trying to be a ‘little New York,’ when, in fact, we are hands down the best city in Connecticut—from our festivities to our education system. Stamford will always be home, and that’s what makes it so great.”

below: Brothers Nick and Vincenzo Petrafesa, longtime Stamford residents, own and run Cafe Silvium

“I am passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. I combine my traditional medical knowledge with holistic skills to create sessions that work on the whole person and sometimes the whole family. The best part of my job is seeing people achieve and accomplish their goals.”

stamfordmag.com

AIMEE ELSNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLYN D’ANDREA ; ALEX JOSEPH, KRISSY & KENNY LLC ; OTHERS, CONTRIBUTED

Stamford Resident 13 years

buzz

Q& A

SPOTLIGHT ON LOCALS

KATIE CULLEN

ADAM COGNETTA

Teacher of the hearing impaired, Stamford Public Schools

Vice president at Choyce Peterson, Inc., a commercial real estate brokerage firm

“I love my job in Stamford. I feel it is a privilege to have been able to work here for the past thirty-five years. I have loved teaching all of the kids, have so many incredible experiences and worked with so many wonderful people. The years really have passed so quickly. I have loved living and working in Stamford. It is a wonderfully supportive community and a great place to raise a family. We are all connected to Stamford—it’s home.” Stamford Resident 40 years

New Place Cedar Corners General Store

Town Tradition St. Leo’s Fair

Restaurant “The penne vodka at Columbus Park and a steak dinner at Giovanni’s at Waters Edge.”

Best View “The sunrise from Sterling Farms Golf Course in the winter.” Coffee Spot “Giovana’s Deli on High Ridge.”

PIE BY ANDREW SULLIVAN; BAGEL © BY BIGACIS - ADOBESTOCK.COM

Longtime Business DiMare Pastry Shop

Stamford Resident 28 years Town Tradition “I’ve played music most of my life and have been fortunate to play a lot of places. Back in 2009 a band I had been playing with since high school was given the opportunity to take our ‘home stage’ in the Alive @ 5 series. There’s nothing better than getting the chance to do what I love, soak up the warm weather and spend time with family and friends who came out to support us. Every year when I see the stage going up, I get nostalgic.” Best View “If we’re talking typical workday, it’s tough to beat city views from the top of One Landmark or looking out across the Sound from the tip of Shippan Landing. For days off, pick a beautiful afternoon and explore Mianus River Park. If you have a dog, bring ’em!”

What Makes Stamford Great “The people make Stamford great! No matter what you need, people show up. It’s a community of people who are always there for you. Friends become like family—and we all know that there’s nothing more important than family.”

Coffee Spot “Lorca or Humbled, or home if I want to be a bum.” Longtime Business “Liz Sue—favorite bagels for weekend breakfast with the family.” New Place “RPM Raceway. I’m a car-obsessed

above: Cognetta’s weekends include a bagel stop with the family.

kid a heart—‘If you ain’t first, you’re last!’ Keep an eye out for Cisco Brewers at The Village.” Restaurant “A lot of strong contenders for Italian food locally, but how do you top Café Silvium? Handmade cavatelli with broccoli rabe and sausage is a staple. If the table’s up for it, encourage family-style: Anything on the table is fair game. Pick a house red wine of your choice—it’ll be topped-off to the point you’re required to do a sipbefore-you-lift maneuver before you can safely enjoy the rest of the glass. Close down the place and say yes to homemade limoncello. Chapter 2: Colony Grill.” What Makes Stamford Great “A sense of familiarity balanced by the exciting pace and vibrancy of change. It’s the people who always make it home—awwww.”

“Work is worth it for the people—on the client side and with colleagues/partners within the industry. I enjoy the challenge of structuring creative deals for companies that allow them to bolster their existing business or grow a new one. Bringing a space to life that not only functions, but also inspires and is accretive to the city is especially rewarding.”

above: Pie perfection from DiMare Bakery, which opened in Stamford in 1997

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

buzz

right: Vintage Havana Skull Hoodie ($49) far right Daydreamer Dreamer Tongue Weekend Tee ($59)

right: Haute Shore Greyson Epic Tote ($92)

stamford style

above: Vivian Hoffman with her son, Gregory, who bring the trends to shoppers downtown

hen Vivian Hoffman, a former retail executive for more than twenty-five years, opened up the first WHIM (whimlove.com) retail location in Westchester four years ago, little did she know it would become a family affair. Her daughter, husband and sister all had a hand in making her business thrive by focusing on fun, trendy and affordable women’s fashion. Vivian’s son Gregory, who had worked

previously in marine biology and finance, lent a helping hand to his mom and took over the finances, the e-comm site and purchased all the jewelry for the store. The working relationship blossomed into one of mutual respect, honesty and hard work. Once they opened up their second location in Mt. Kisco, NY, Vivian and Gregory set eyes on a new location here in Stamford. The city welcomed Whim with a pop-up location on bustling Bedford Street during the 2019 Christmas months. Though foot traffic and growing a loyal fanbase was slow, Vivian saw potential in this new city. “Customers would constantly tell us how much downtown Stamford needed a store like us,” Vivian shared. “We loved all our Stamford customers that we started to develop. There was wonderful energy. We loved the mix of the customers that had lived in Stamford for a long time and those that were new residents of the city.” After weeks of determining if opening a more permanent location downtown was the right move for them, Vivian

by joey macari

and Gregory ultimately decided to make Stamford their third home. They repainted, got all the necessary provisions together and, well, we all know what happened in March 2020. “We opened the beginning of March to only be closed down due to the pandemic for the next three months. We didn’t reopen until the end of May. Again, very tough going,” says Vivian. “Now all the office buildings were closed, a majority of customers were afraid to shop or to be in retail stores. Things were a little better over the summer with outdoor dining on Bedford Street. Fall and winter rolled around, indoor dining was closed all together for a time and reopened in a small way. However, customers in Stamford are amazingly loyal and also resilient to what is going on.” Despite all the challenges, Vivian and her team pushed through and are committed to having the same customer fanbase here that they have in New York. “It has been a really tough start here in Stamford. However, we really believe in the city and its people. We think that consumers

stamfordmag.com

right: Juicy Couture Tie Dye Joggers ($89) with Free People Ribbed Brami ($24)

want a fun, local, reasonable place to shop and hang out. We want to be that store in downtown Stamford, and we will continue to push forward.”

ALL IMAGES CONTRIBUTED

Fun fashion finds from the duo behind WHIM

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PRETTY IN PINK

A DAY WITH STAMFORD’S MOST GLAMOROUS MOMMY-DAUGHTER TEAM b y j o e y m a c a r i

e take for granted how many firsts we create with our children every day. All moms remember the first time their child gave them a scribbled drawing of the two of you with “Mom and Me” labeled in chunky lettering or the first time they saw their child enjoy their favorite childhood activity or movie. But what about the first time you and your child created your own business? That is the unique experience of Khandice O’Kelley and her sevenyear-old daughter, Taylor. Born out of the desire to enjoy mommy-daughter manicures in a quarantine world, Khandice and her daughter founded PINK CHAWKULIT (pinkchawkulit.com), a nail polish line featuring shades of Taylor’s favorite color, pink, and mom’s not-so-guilty pleasure, Chawkulit (chocolate). “This is a real-world example of turning lemons into lemonade, Khandice explains. “Challenges are often an opportunity to grow. Challenges

MOTHER’S DAY AGENDA

In honor of Mother’s Day, Khandice describes her perfect MommyDaughter date around Stamford. SLEEP IN A perfect Mother’s Day date with Taylor would involve me getting a chance to sleep in and let the morning light peeking through the curtains wake me up, rather than Taylor’s heavy footsteps running into my room and jumping on my bed. I actually love that she does that, but a little extra sleep is always a special Mother’s Day treat. BITE TO EAT Taylor and I would get dressed in something comfortable and cute and take our toy poodles, Coco and Chanel, for a long walk around the neighborhood. I would have a coffee in one hand, my double dog leash in the other and Taylor and I will talk about her plans for the future. She wants to be everything when she grows up. She loves talking about each role. We would come home from our walk and go to Lorca, where I would get a half Nutella almond milk latte and a manchego sage sandwich and Taylor would get a s’mores hot cocoa and a grilled cheese. We would sip and talk and eat until both of us are done. A MANI, OF COURSE When we return home, we would paint nails in anticipation of something special Daddy has planned for Mommy. First thing, we need a base coat—this extends the life of the mani and our formula is infused with argan oil so it provides nourishment for the nail. Taylor would choose ‘Piggy Bank’ and remind me that she named it and that all of the polishes she names are best sellers. She would decide she wants a little sparkle, so I would use ‘Kaleidoscope,’ our holographic top coat that transforms her mani into sparkly fun. I would choose ‘Toy Poodles’ and do some simple nail art over it with a dotting tool, using ‘Boo Thang.’ I would use our glossy top coat ‘Keep Shining’ to seal and save my creation.

TIME TOGETHER My dream Mother’s Day may sound normal or regular. I am blessed to have had several days like this, and these are the days that I cherish the most.

stamfordmag.com

PORTRAIT BY CARI BATTISTA, BELLA GRACE PHOTO; PRODUCTS BY LYNDA NORGAARD, A FIREFLY STUDIO

above: Cofounders, mother-daughter Khandice and Taylor O’Kelley

can create opportunities for yourself and others. I want my daughter to live a life where she can learn, create and grow while creating opportunities for herself and others.” Each bottle of Pink Chawkulit is handcrafted with ingredients sourced exclusively in the U.S., are nontoxic, vegan, quick dry and chip resistant as well as infused with argan oil to ensure each bottle is crafted to consistency. As if the business name is not cute enough, Taylor helps Mom name many of the polishes, from glittery options like “U Fancy Huh?” to delight any age as well as rich tones like “Sophisticated” for all the Boss Babes out there. The brand also helps Taylor outside of the green-screen home classroom; cultivating good math skills by helping Mommy count the bottles in the inventory set up at home. Shoppers can order any of Pink Chawkulit’s products on its website, including the newly launched cuticle oil, new cream colors and first-ever sheer polish. Be sure to also check them out on Instagram @pinkchawkulit for updates and adorable, pinkalicious inspiration.

www.marciaselden.com

buzz

left and right: Examples of Kursar’s work with families—light, bright and full of joy center: Photographer Stephanie Kursar

STAMFORD SCENE

A BEAUTIFUL MOMENT WITH PHOTOGRAPHER STEPHANIE KURSAR b y d i a n e s e m b r o t

he first thing you notice about Stephanie Kursar’s photographs is that they are light and bright. Their stories are full of joy, like that perfect day you spent with your kids at West Beach. Every day isn’t like that, but the feeling is always there—her work brings it to the surface, through the laundry baskets and stack of mail up to the sunshine and sandy toes. Since moving from New York to North Stamford, she has spent her time finding moments to photograph her kids or her town. She also established a lifestyle photography business and developed a following on Instagram.

How long have you been a photographer? “For as long as I can remember. I have always loved documenting every vacation and event with photos to the point that it drove my friends and family crazy sometimes, but they were always happy to have all the memories to look back on later. I took my first real film photography class in high school and fell in love. After college I got my first DSLR camera and wanted to learn all about it, so I started taking digital photography classes with a local photographer at his studio. I took a few classes to get me started and then learned the rest on my own. When my first daughter was born, I left my job in finance. That’s when I started my photography business. My look is definitely defined by my love of the

beach and its muted colors.” Advice for newbies? “Immerse yourself in it! I learned so much by being a spectator on Facebook photography groups. When a topic came up that I didn’t understand in a group, I researched it. I would never have even known what to research if I wasn’t watching other photographers talk about it in these Facebook groups.”

sessions slowed down a bit. Most people do not want a stranger in their home photographing their newborn during a pandemic. This has given me more time to focus on branding sessions. I have worked with a bunch of local businesses to help create content for their websites and social media. While my passion is still photographing kids, I’m really enjoying it and definitely plan to offer more going forward.”

How has your business changed throughout Covid? “My photography business has mostly been focused on photographing families, kids and newborns. Family photo sessions typically slow down after the fall/early winter holiday card rush, so I typically focus on newborn photography in the winter months. This past winter newborn

Do you have three go-to rules for your Instagram feed? “My business Instagram feed— @stephanieelliottphoto—is where I like to keep strictly client photos. This keeps the consistency of the feed and allows it to act as a readily available portfolio for new clients. I

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keep all life photos on my personal account—@stephaniekursar. I like to mix in a very simple clean shot every three posts or so, to keep it aesthetically pleasing.” Does this carry over to your brand? “My brand aesthetic and home decor aesthetic are very similar. I would best describe it as white, bright, airy and casual but refined with organic coastal vibes. I like to keep my sessions casual and candid, which is so important when working with kids. I love lifestyle photography because I love to make those everyday moments look beautiful.” What do you love about Stamford? “I love the diversity of Stamford and how you can live in the woods of North Stamford but also have access to beaches and urban areas like Harbor Point. This is my favorite question because I am a take-out queen! I love Table 104 and Ole Mole and recently discovered Flavorism, which has been a game changer for our family. You can order from five restaurants at once, so we don’t need to all agree on one cuisine.”

buzz

The dramatic interior of the church comes from the architect’s use of dalle de verre— more than 20,000 pieces of stained glass in cement panels. far right: The installation back in the 1950s.

Good News! I

f you are new to Stamford, here’s a secret for getting your bearings: Look for the carillon tower of The First Presbyterian Church of Stamford (fishchurch.org). You can catch a glimpse of its peak piercing the skyline from a surprising number of vantages points. If that doesn’t work, say you’re in North Stamford or Shippan, just ask someone, “Where’s the Fish Church?” Locals know it by this moniker, and getting there will place you within walking distance of downtown. As for locals, we have good news: This local landmark has also been designated

an official National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service.

Rockefeller Center and Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts; the Trylon and Perisphere at the 1939 New York World’s Fair; the Alcoa headquarters in Pittsburgh, the first aluminum-clad skyscraper; and as lead architect on the planning of the UN headquarters in New York City. First Presbyterian was his first and only church design. He found inspiration in the thirteenth-century Gothic wonder Sainte-Chappelle chapel in Paris (behold it at sainte-chapelle.fr/ en). Harrison is credited with the use of dalle de verre—French for “slab glass”—a technique

INSPIRATION Some see a fish or whale design. Others see a stone-colored shell with a jewel inside. All agree the church design is breathtaking and timeless. Quite a feat, considering that the church’s history goes back to 1853 (the first church was a wooden structure at 90 Broad Street), with the new structure designed by Wallace K. Harrison and dedicated in 1958. The legendary architect had a remarkable portfolio, including

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that sets colored glass in a grid of concrete or other support material. At First Presbyterian, the glass is presented in three soaring panoramic windows that uniquely narrate the central tenets of Christian belief. The figures are designed in the bold style of Fernand Léger, a French painter, sculptor and filmmaker—and one of Harrison’s colleagues—and placed in colorful and abstract settings. Though a departure from classic styles, Harrison’s work resonated. “LIFE magazine hailed the sanctuary as ‘lofty and luminous’ when it was dedicated in March of 1958 and selected

PHOTOGRAPHY: SANCTUARY BY ROBERT GREGSON; INSET, COURTESY OF DELUCA CONSTRUCTION

Local church becomes a national landmark b y d i a n e s e m b r o t

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with three other contemporary buildings by MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) as heralding ‘a new direction in Modern expression.’ In its first three years, the new sanctuary attracted over 300,000 out-of-town visitors,” notes church material. His equally bold design of the free-standing tower for the church bells was dedicated in 1968.

GIVING SPIRIT

above: The unique exterior, which gives the impression of a fish or whale, is a result of robust acoustics in the sanctuary. The Memorial Walk runs from Fellowship Hall to the sanctuary and has more than 100 stones engraved with names inset, below: Deluca Construction documented each step of the project.

My hope is that this designation will entice more people to come see what this ‘Fish Church’ is all about and who we are seeking to be as a community of faith. Rev. Dr. David Van Dyke

This section of the stain glass tells the story of the crucifixion left: The entrance to the sanctuary resembles the crucifixion

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This past February the church held a press conference to announce the National Historic Landmark designation. Congressman Jim Himes, Stamford Mayor David Martin other local dignitaries and those involved in the designation effort gathered to give thanks. The event made clear that this moment is not just about architecture; it is also about a living, giving church community that appreciates the talent and spirit that went into creating the church buildings and tower—and what they mean for their mission. “We are deeply grateful to receive this designation,” said the Rev. Dr. David R. Van Dyke. “It’s

PHOTOGRAPHY: SANCTUARY BY ROBERT GREGSON; INSET, COURTESY OF DELUCA CONSTRUCTION; ENTRANCE BY GARVIN BURKE

buzz

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buzz an affirmation of the vision and commitment of those who came before us here to imagine and then build this architecturally daring space of remarkable beauty dedicated to the worship of God. It is also an affirmation of Wallace Harrison’s architectural brilliance. This small—for him— project provided an opportunity to utilize the fullness of his talent, artistry and faith. My hope is that this designation will entice more people to come see what this ‘Fish

Church’ is all about and who we are seeking to be as a community of faith.” He also thanked the Highland Green Foundation (highlandgreenfoundation .org) “for spearheading this effort on behalf of the church, and especially to Wes Haynes, Foundation board member, whose time and expertise was instrumental in making this a reality.” The foundation supports community-outreach programs

focused on education, music and the arts, and preservation on the campus of the church. Campaign Chair and President of Highland Green Foundation Robert Anstine thanked everyone who helped with the National Historic Landmark designation and announced the launch of a $7 million capital campaign to preserve the sanctuary and the carillon tower. “The impact of weathering on the sanctuary’s glass panels is the major challenge to the building’s stewardship, which is a key reason for the Capital Campaign,” Anstine said. “It is a multi-phase project over several years to correct water leaks, fix related damage to ensure the integrity of the sanctuary for the future, as well as maintain the Maguire Carillon Tower and enhance external lighting.” Hopefully, the designation will attract supporters.

left: Pouring concrete base, before installing panels for the stained glass below: The elaborate exterior of the church and soaring tower

A HIGH NOTE

Building the carillon for the church bells was an elaborate undertaking, beautifully completed.

The building’s unconventional angular form surprised the community, earning it the nickname of Fish Church while under construction. But that was not its central idea. A soaring, acoustically responsive space bathed in mottled blue light was what architect Wallace K. Harrison envisioned when he asked the building committee, ‘Have you ever thought what it would be like to live in a giant sapphire?’ Today, this beautiful space continues to capture everyone’s hearts and imagination. —Highland Green Foundation

1 Deluca Construction undertook the dirty work of digging a massive hole to create a steady foundation for the 260-foot tower and carillon 2 Pouring concrete for the lower 3 A helicopter was needed to install the thirty-foot-high cross 4 The Walter Maguire Memorial Tower holds the Nestle Müller Memorial Carillon, a fifty-six-bell instrument.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: EXTERIOR AND CARILLON TOWER BY ROBERT GREGSON; HISTORIC PHOTO COURTESY DELUCA CONSTRUCTION, STAMFORD

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Join us for Building One Community's first virtual

Annual Spring Benefit B1C Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow celebrating 10 years of successfully integrating immigrants into the community

Thursday, May 20, 2021 7 PM - 8 PM: Benefit Program 8 PM - 8:30 PM: Post-Event Sponsor Discussion with founding members, Catalina Horak, Cathy Ostuw, and Kathie Walsh The past ten years have been transformative for the Greater Stamford area. We look forward to celebrating our journey with all of you. Learn how we moved from a seemingly impossible dream to being a major driving force in successfully supporting immigrants as they integrate into the local community. A dream made possible thanks to our supporters and your partnership.

Scan the QR code or visit www.B1C.org/virtual-event to register for your complimentary ticket, sponsor or donate 75 Selleck St. Stamford, CT 06902 | 203.674.8585 x108 B1C is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible to full extent allowed by law.

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

shop by megan g agnon

PRESENT PERFECT M

PICTURE THIS

Chances are, most moms you know have phones filled with snaps of their kids but few that include both mother and child. Let local photographer Stephanie Elliott capture the whole family and guarantee a gift she’ll treasure forever. Stephanie Elliott Photography; packages starting at $550.

See our interview on page 24—and more online at stephanieelliottphotography.com.

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PHOTO: STEPHANIE ELLIOTT; OPPOSITE PAGE, CONTRIBUTED

om and Dad deserve something extra-special this year. They’ve always been expert multitaskers but this year demanded a 24/7 on-call schedule, with some even moonlighting as teachers. The easiest gift you can give them is a break, some alone time away from the chaos of everyday life. But we’ve also gathered some thoughtful ideas, small tokens to present as a way to say “thank you” for doing it all.

FOR MOM

FOR DAD DRINK UP

All of the beers from Half Full Brewery are worth sampling but we're partial to the sour IPA, created with Stamford's Lock City Brewing and delivered in a can that pays tribute to our great city. Welcome to Fabulous StamVegas; $12.19 for four. Half Full Brewery, Stamford; halffullbrewery.square.site

Packable canvas hat; $70. House of Humbled, Stamford; hatattack.com

I love the

packable canvas hat as a gift. It’s the perfect hat for both spring and summer. You can wear this hat at the beach, playground, gardening; and the best part is that it folds right up into your bag. Your mom will love it! COOPER McMANUS, Design Director, Hat Attack & Stamford mom

PRECIOUS PENDANT

Russ Hollander has been crafting these Mother and Child pendants since 1976. Beyond the beauty of the design, Hollander mentions that they're dishwasher safe after inevitably becoming teethers for babies. Available in platinum or 18K yellow gold; $1,800. Russ Hollander, Stamford; ringart.com

TRUNK CLUB

Up dad’s summer style with some new swim shorts. Stamford-based Rhone made sure to cover all the important details with this pair, like flexible fabric (perfect for paddle), water-flow pockets that won't fill up and a waistband that'll stay up (even if he falls off his board). 7" board short; $98. Rhone, Chelsea Piers, Stamford; rhone.com

SIGNATURE SCENT

Introduce mom to this cult-favorite perfume, with notes of sandalwood, cedarwood and earthy vetiver. No.04 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil by Maison Louis Marie; $57. Sephora, Stamford; sephora.com

MAY/JUNE 2020 STAMFORD

do On a Roll INTRO TO ROLGA—yup, it’s a thing

e know yoga is good for us and foam rolling can unknot the muscles, so why not double the impact and combine the two? With my “rolga” (roll and yoga) workout, the key is to stretch a certain muscle area in a yoga pose, then use a foam roller on that area for myofascial muscle release (it’s like an at-home deeptissue massage), then stretch the same area with the original pose and see what a difference it makes. by nikki gl or

DOWN DOG + LOWER BACK LEG ROLL NEXT, TURN OVER so that you are sitting on the mat with the roller under your right calf. Lift your hips off the ground by pressing into the hands and roll along the calf toward your ankle and back up toward the knee. If you find a spot that feels more tender or knotted up, keep the roller there and only move about two inches back and forth until you feel the muscle release. Focus on the outside and then on the inside for about ten rolls in each area, stopping for any knots. Repeat on the left leg.

GET INTO A PLANK POSE and lift your hips to the sky, so your body looks like the letter A. Spread your fingers wide, let your head be heavy, look toward your knees and “walk” the dog by bringing the right heel toward the mat by straightening your knee and keeping the left knee slightly bent and heel off the mat. Switch sides and pedal the heels down for five deep inhales and exhales. Then allow both heels to stretch toward the mat as best they can. Hold the stretch for another five breaths.

GO BACK TO DOWN DOG POSE (adho mukha svanasana) and allow both heels to sink toward the ground. Notice the difference in flexibility and sensation.

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DANCER POSE + FRONT LEG ROLL

STAND ON YOUR RIGHT LEG AND BEND THE LEFT KNEE AND GRAB YOUR LEFT FOOT. Hold the stretch for two breaths. Then flip your hand holding your foot with the thumb next to the big toe. Keep your chest facing forward as your right hand reaches for the sky. This will move the torso forward. Drop your right hand to a 45-degree angle from the ceiling as your left foot inches closer to the sky in dancer pose (natarajasana). Hold for three more breaths, and repeat on the other side, beginning with the basic quadricep stretch.

GET INTO A PLANK ON YOUR FOREARMS with the foam roller under your left leg between the knee and the hip. Warning: This might be the most tender area, especially if you regularly run, take spin classes or boot camps with squats and lunges. Roll up and down, stopping at any tender parts and focusing on the area with micro-rolling back and forth on that area before moving onto the entire quadriceps area by rolling to your right for several “trips” up and down the area, about ten full rolls. Then roll to the left. Repeat on your right leg. REPEAT QUAD STRETCH TO DANCER POSE ON EACH LEG, breathing space into the muscle area you just worked.

PIGEON + GLUTE ROLL

GET INTO DOWN DOG AND BRING YOUR RIGHT KNEE FORWARD toward the mat and your right wrist. Try to get your shin parallel with the top of the mat and your right ankle close to the left wrist as you sit down on your right glute and left quad. You may need a blanket or block to place under your right glute area so that you don’t roll onto your side. Stay upright or walk your hands past the top of the mat and rest your forehead on the ground. Breathe five breaths into the area where you feel the stretch. (This is perhaps the most intense of the yoga poses.) Unwind back to down dog and repeat on the other side.

SIT ON TOP OF YOUR FOAM ROLLER with the left foot on the floor, knee bent, and the right leg crossed over the left with the right ankle at the left knee. Balance on your hands and on the left foot as you roll over your backside (right glute area) and outer thigh. Repeat on the left glute. RETURN TO PIGEON POSE ON EACH SIDE, and notice if you can go deeper and if your muscles are “talking” to you less. After five deep inhales and exhales on each side, roll over onto your back in savasana, relaxation pose, or sit up to meditate.

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

do DANCER POSE + FRONT LEG ROLL

STAND ON YOUR RIGHT LEG AND BEND THE LEFT KNEE AND GRAB YOUR LEFT FOOT. Hold the stretch for two breaths. Then flip your hand holding your foot with the thumb next to the big toe. Keep your chest facing forward as your right hand reaches for to the sky. This will move the torso forward. Drop your right hand to a 45-degree angle from the ceiling as your left foot inches closer to the sky in dancer pose (natarajasana). Hold for three more breaths, and repeat on the other side, beginning with the basic quadricep stretch.

PIGEON + GLUTE ROLL

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THE BEST ORTHOPEDICS BY FAR IS RIGHT HERE. Hospital for Special Surgery and Stamford Health have teamed up to bring world-class orthopedic care closer to you. Our team of experts remains dedicated to making safe, responsible musculoskeletal care available – wherever you are. To learn more about our in-person and virtual appointment options, visit HSS.edu/StamfordHealth

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

top, left: Loft Artists Association includes work studios and education top, right: Photography by Julie DiBiase bottom, left: A piece from "100 Crosses" series by Mark Macrides, artist, teacher and executive director bottom, right: Exhibit space at LAA

higher ups Add the LOFT ARTISTS ASSOCIATION to your “Great Day in Stamford” agenda

s the weather improves, so are our thoughts and mood. We might begin to take the time to reflect on life, find inspiration and begin to make sense of this changed world—the hallmarks of art. Whether you are an artist, have an emerging pint-sized one in the family or simply appreciate art, be sure to check out Loft Artists Association (loftartists.org) in the South End. With fourteen artist studios and over 1,200 square feet of gallery space, LAA regularly hosts exhibits by its members and workshops. A welcoming place for both creators and admirers, its purpose is to create a supportive space for creation and education.

“We provide artists with studios and an opportunity to work within an environment with a community purpose through educational programming and art exhibits,” says Executive Director Mark Macrides. As people think about getting out and about, he adds, they might want to consider participating in a workshop. “Art is such a healing element and stress reliever. It’s just such a nice way to get out.” LAA is open to the public on weekends, from 1 to 4 p.m. The exhibits, events and some classes are free and open to the public, with Covid precautions in place (wear a mask). During social restrictions, the association launched virtual classes for children and adults, with some

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instruction informal and flexible, some focused and traditional. For example, LAA recently hosted still-life drawing and painting as well as a mandala-making class, virtually. Yes, free, just register online. While you’re on the website, be sure to check out the gallery of work by its artist members, from new to well established. The association was founded in 1978 by three local artists who moved into the vacant Yale and Towne Lock Factory building to work and live. Others followed. They moved to a warehouse on Canal Street. More followed. They now take up the second floor of a brick building. Head to 575 Pacific St. and look up.

CONTRIBUTED

by diane sembrot

“Swing for Our Scholars” Golf Outing to Benefit REACH Prep Tuesday, June 1, 2021 Greenwich Country Club Registration begins: 11:30am Cocktails and buffet: 5pm - 7:30pm Join us for a golf outing to benefit the students of REACH Prep. We provide access to transformative educational experiences that empower underserved, high-achieving students to graduate from top colleges and emerge as the next generation of leaders.

www.reachprep.org

To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, visit www.reachprep.org or email Amy Kiser at akiser@reachprep.org.

One Dock Street, Suite 100, Stamford, CT 06902 MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

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PEACE IN HARMONY NEW PERFORMANCE IN STAMFORD SYMPHONY'S SPRING VIRTUAL SERIES by diane sembrot

above: Michael Stern conducts the Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major, The Turkish, with violin soloist Elena Urioste, and Haydn Symphony No. 64 in A major, Tempora Mutantur right and below: A few of the Stamford Symphony musicians

Tune In! Saturday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. — use link to register. Michael Stern conducts this program. Violinist Elena Urioste will play the Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5, often referred to as The Turkish. Haydn named Symphony No. 64 Temporar Mutantur, from the Latin epigram by poet John Owen: "Tempora mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis" (times change, and we must change with them). Donations welcomed. More at stamfordsymphony.org.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONI DOLCE

above: Two Novelletten for String Orchestra, Op. 52, from the first of the online premieres

n early spring the Stamford Symphony launched a new series, following the success of its winter holiday series. The last of the three free virtual programs will take place in front of a specially invited, socially distanced audience and live-streamed in May, as a bridge back to an almost normal 2021/22 live season. The programs offer an insider’s look at the inner workings of the symphony. For the May event, for example, online viewers will be taken backstage, and into the wings before the start of the concert. The Stamford Symphony draws its members from premier ensembles, including the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, the American Symphony Orchestra, the New York Pops and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Formed in 1919, and re-formed into the orchestra it is today in 1967, it welcomed Michael Stern in the 2020/21 season as only its fourth music director. “As the 2020/21 season draws to a close, we can celebrate the silver linings that stemmed from the Covid cloud. The Stamford Symphony Channel provides a chance to get up-close and personal with our orchestra members and hear music that we might not have played in a regular season. On May 8, you will see us emerge stronger, and more connected to our Fairfield County community, as we announce a substantial return in the fall,” noted Russell Jones, president and CEO. “The programs are tailored for the Stamford Symphony to explore works too rarely played in settings that bring you ever closer to the music and our musicians.”

Page-Turners Women searching for happiness, murder mysteries and 100 haikus to cure your breakup blues—THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE on this list. So brush off your beach bags and savor the sun with one of these sizzling page-turners. by emily liebert

THAT SUMMER BY JENNIFER WEINER

CONTRIBUTED

rom the queen of the beach read and No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner comes a summer saga that takes readers from the manicured Main Line of Philadelphia to the wild landscape of the Outer Cape. Protagonist Daisy Shoemaker can’t sleep. She should be happy. Between her flourishing cooking business, extensive volunteer work and beautiful home in the suburbs, what could be so bad? Just a few things, such as her challenging teenage daughter, her distant husband and her long list of acquaintances, who aren’t real friends. She’s also receiving emails meant for Diana Starling, whose email address is just one punctuation mark away from her own. Yet their lives are drastically different. Is their chance connection an accident? This sharply observed novel is about facing our past and future and the power of female friendship.

F*CK YOU HAIKU: LITTLE BREAKUP POEMS TO HELP YOU VENT, HEAL, AND MOVE ON BY KRISTINA GRISH

hat do you do when your husband unexpectedly announces that your marriage is over and you’re desperate to process all of the messy and intense feelings you’re experiencing? If you’re Westport’s own Kristina Grish, a seasoned writer and columnist, you turn your pain into poetry by penning 100 breakup haikus inspired by past relationships and universal wisdom. And what results is a relatable and, at times, irreverent collection—in other words, the perfect antidote for a broken heart. Snag a copy for yourself, a family member or a friend so you can finally say “f*ck you” to that special someone and “love you” to yourself.

DEATH IN THE FAMILY AND THE DEAD SEASON BY TESSA WEGERT

DON’T MAKE ME TURN THIS LIFE AROUND BY CAMILLE PAGÁN

hirteen years ago, doctors told Libby Ross-Velasquez she wasn’t going to survive cancer. Yet, even though she’s beaten the odds, she doesn’t feel alive inside. Maybe because her father’s death weighs on her. Her husband, Shiloh, acts distant. And one of their daughters has serious health concerns. Libby knows she needs to do something to breathe life back into her family, so she books a vacation for all of them to the Puerto Rican island of Vieques, where she and Shiloh fell in love and, also, where she fought her cancer diagnosis. But when a tropical storm unexpectedly hits, she questions her decision. Still, the worst disaster they’ve faced may be the best thing that ever happened to them. If they can endure it…

he only thing better than one chilling thriller is two chilling thrillers! And that’s exactly what Darien author Tessa Wegert delivers with the debut and sophomore books in her new mystery series, primarily based in the Thousand Islands of Upstate New York, where America’s elite summered in the latenineteenth century. The stories follow Senior Investigator Shana Merchant who fled her NYC detective job to pursue serial killer Blake Bram, as she entangles herself in missing persons cases and murders. Prepare to stay up way past your bedtime glued to these addictive, fast-paced novels.

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

THE NEWCOMER BY MARY KAY ANDREWS

ew York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews has done it again with this summer’s hottest read. When Letty Carnahan discovers her sister Tanya dead on the floor of her NYC townhouse, she’s positive she knows who did it: Tanya’s shady ex, Evan Wingfield, a real estate entrepreneur. How? Because of Tanya’s warnings: “If anything bad happens to me, it’s Evan. Promise me you’ll take Maya and run. Promise me.” So Letty does just that. She hits the road with her fouryear-old niece in an attempt to out run the law (and Evan). All she has is what Tanya left her: a bag of cash, a diamond ring and an old magazine story about The Murmuring Surf Motel in Florida, where she checks in. Letty’s mission is to heal Maya’s pain and uncover the key to her past, while avoiding the local police detective. Will she find the truth or will danger close in on her first?

go Devote some time to fully explore the newly renovated spaces and exquisite grounds at the Mayflower Inn & Spa.

Hit Refresh L

ast year, Mayflower Inn, in Washington, Connecitcut, got its own facelift in the form of a total redesign at the hands of interior designer Celerie Kemble. Revived with a vibrant color palette and plenty of wallpaper and wicker, Kemble’s executed vision breathes new life into the century-old country retreat. Now the spa has gotten its own refresh—the result of a partnership with New York-based The Well—and a transformation of the 20,000-square-foot space into the ultimate wellness destination. The Well’s flagship launched at the end of 2019 in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, introducing a new concept promising what the company refers to as “the best of Western medicine and Eastern healing.” Members

have access to a variety of spa services, medical consultations and tailored health plans, all under one exquisitely designed roof. Litchfield County was an obvious choice for their second location—an idyllic alternative to the pace of city life—where the spa’s bucolic setting plays a major role in its offerings. Book a Forest Craniosacral, a treatment that promises to soothe senses and disconnect from modern life, under the canopy of the property’s trees, or opt for a woodland hike complete with forest bathing, a Japanese meditative practice. Inside, you can choose from massages and bodywork focused on lymphatic health before exploring light therapy in a traditional hammam. The biophilic thermal pool is surrounded by 400 stamfordmag.com

plants to purify the air and create a truly unique and calming experience. Trained estheticians address customized skincare needs using Biologique Recherche and Naturopathica products, and the range of options includes an East-Meets-West Facial, which starts with acupuncture and ends with a gold face mask. Those overwhelmed with the treatment menu can schedule a virtual meeting with a health coach before committing and receive personalized recommendations to optimize the visit. And if nothing else, devote some time to the building’s relaxation room, a serene space with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing light to flow in and all the cares of your everyday life to melt away.

COURTESY OF THE MAYFLOWER INN AND SPA

YOUR DREAM SPA DAY (OR WEEKEND) IS ONLY A SHORT DRIVE AWAY by megan gagnon

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LEARN MORE at www.elephants.com MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

ISLAND TREASURES GORGEOUS ISLANDS THAT WE’RE PRETTY SURE YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF by kim-marie evans

here is no need to travel across the globe in search of wild and windswept islands. South Carolina’s fabled Sea Islands are secrets hiding in plain sight. When the New York Times wrote a story in 1983 about South Carolina’s “Secret Isles,” locals were so protective they (unsuccessfully) begged the author not to publish it. Though Hilton Head and Kiawah are regularly featured in glossy travel magazines, smaller islands like DAUFUSKIE, EDISTO and ST. PHILLIPS have managed to elude the spotlight—until now.

STEEPED IN HISTORY After the Civil War, the plantation owners who had been growing cotton on Daufuskie abandoned the land and “gave” it to the freed slaves. With little access to the mainland, the descendants of those slaves kept the Gullah traditions alive, making it a wonderful place to experience this rich culture. A day trip to Daufuskie Island—a short boat ride just a mile from Hilton stamfordmag.com

Head—cuts through hundreds of years of history. Visitors find more than just museums. They find a preserved way of life—vibrant churches, century-old, bluewindowed oyster houses and deviled crabs for sale on front porches. While there are three Hilton-Head style developments on Daufuskie Island (which counts John Mellencamp as a resident), much of the island is a historic district. Homes, churches, schools and

graveyards appear as they might have 100 years ago. Sallie Ann Robinson is a sixthgeneration Gullah who fights to preserve and share Daufuskie’s history for years. Her efforts caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey, or "Miss O" as Sallie Ann calls her, who featured Sallie Ann in a story in O, The Oprah Magazine. If you can’t make it to Daufuskie in person, pick up her latest cookbook, Sallie Ann Robinson's Kitchen:

COURTESY OF SCPRT

South Carolina's Sea Islands offer the ultimate getaway for rest and relaxation (and, of course, the freshest seafood).

Food and Family Lore from the Lowcountry. She offers a variety of dishes passed down through generations of Gullah families, from Down-Home Red Tada Sallet to Robinson's Grandmomma's Seafood Gumbo. “Nobody ever wrote anything down when they cooked. Recipes were passed down simply from observing and then doing,” she says. daufuskieisland.com

TOP PHOTO BY CHRIS M. ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.; BOTTOM TWO, HAIG POINT

CASTAWAY FOR A DAY Take the road less traveled, literally, to Edisto Island, where you won’t find a crowd, a hotel or even a traffic light. Around a hundred years ago, before there was a bridge to Edisto, people came anyway. They drove over the marsh and the oyster beds from Charleston or Savannah at low tide to gain access. Back then, the island was used primarily as a retreat with homes hobbled together for weekend getaways. Day-trippers can stretch out on the mile and a half of pristine state park beach or hike its hauntingly majestic boneyard beach. Boneyard beaches are sea forests that have been created from erosion, leaving an otherworldly landscape of tree skeletons rising from the sand. One of the most dramatic is at Botany Bay on Edisto. Your Instagram will thank me. edistobeach.com

A BILLIONAIRE’S HIDEAWAY Until three years ago, St. Phillips Island was the exclusive beach retreat of Ted Turner’s family for forty years. The famed conservationist and billionaire bought this

(from top) Boneyard Beach on St. Phillips Island • Leisure time at Haig Point on Daufuskie Island • Calibogue Club restaurant on Daufuskie Island

little island, accessible only by boat near Hilton Head, in 1979. Outside of the five-bedroom home he built, he left a very light footprint on this sleepy island. In 2018 he sold the island to the state of South Carolina. South Carolina now rents the house out for $12,000 for a five-night stay (it’s the only rental option). Don’t want any day-trippers ruining your beach naps? Up the rental to $20,000 for five nights; and as long as you book three months in advance, the state will cancel all incoming boat tours. During your stay you’ll have access to bicycles, kayaks, golf carts to get you to the beach, a fishing pier and miles of hiking trails through the ancient dunes. A pool table, game room, flatscreen televisions, and a hammock on a large, screened porch are among the home’s amenities. To book, or for more information, contact the St. Phillips Island Event Coordinator at mgonzalez@scprt.com or 803-904-6220.

home by megan gagnon

arch madness

T H E S E P I E C E S S T A Y AHEAD OF THE CURVE

when inc orp or ated int o architecture, arches immediately elevate the space, giving it gr andeur and an aesthetic impact.

—lynne scalo, lynne scalo design

1 AGO Cirkus chandelier; $665. finnishdesign shop.com

2 ANTHROPOLOGIE Fern storage cabinet; $2,498. Westport; anthropologie.com

4 stamfordmag.com

Marble Roxbury petite console; $11,990. kellywearstler.com

4 NOIR Bridge console; $1,948. Schwartz Design Showroom, Stamford; schwartzdesign showroom.com

5 CUFF HOME Arc armchair; price upon request. cuffhome.com

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

3 KELLY WEARSTLER

awards

the premier home design competition

Set your sights on a win in 2021! If you have a project or a firm in CT, go to athomealistawards.com and find out how to get on the A-list!

Deadline to enter extended! May 24 Awards Celebration: Sept. 2021 JUDGES

BRIAN SAWYER Sawyer | Berson

MARA MILLER Carrier and Company

JESSE CARRIER Carrier and Company

BRITT ZUNINO Studio DB

DAMIAN ZUNINO Studio DB

ENTER NOW! athomealistawards.com Sponsors >

KEITH WILLIAMS Nievera Williams

EDWARD SIEGEL Edward Siegel Architect

home

light blue is such a feelgo od c ol or, so refreshing and calming. it reminds me of the o cean, clear skies, summer breezes and snowcapped mountaint ops. it’s very versatile and uplifting. —lynn morgan, lynn morgan design

LOOK UP. BLUE SKIES ARE HEADED OUR WAY

lighten up

6 1 WOUD × STEFFEN JUUL Come Here side table; $404. aplusrstore.com

2 KITCHENAID

3 &TRADITION

4 SERENA & LILY

5 ARYAN STUDIO

6 COLOURFORM

4.1 cu. ft. gas true convection range; $4,299.99. Best Buy, Norwalk; bestbuy .com

Topan VP6 pendant light by Verner Panton; $221. finnishdesignshop .com

Driftaway bookshelf; $2,498. Westport; serenaandlily.com

Kingdom parade pillow; $247. Fig Linens and Home, Westport; figlinensandhome .com

Two-seater sofa; $5,945.75. Design Within Reach, Stamford; dwr.com

stamfordmag.com

Domestic Violence Crisis Center's 19th Annual Westy Mover Concierge

Voices of

For over twenty-five years, Westy Mover Concierge has recommended select movers to thousands of customers in order to make their moving experience pleasant and at reasonable cost. Westy does not charge movers for the service, but insists that they satisfy our customers.

COURAGE

Spring Luncheon May 20, 2021 We are pleased to announce DVCC’s 19th Annual Voices of Courage Spring Luncheon will be held May 20, 2021 from 11:30am-1pm. The virtual event will include keynote speaker, Donna Ferrato, an awardwinning photojournalist, author, domestic violence prevention activist and feminist.

7th

Annual

SAVE THE DATE

To purchase tickets visit:

Monday, June 21, 2021

www.dvccct.org/voices-of-courage-2021

Shorehaven Golf Club, 14 Canfield Ave, Norwalk Register at bit.ly/carverfoundationgolf

Contact Nikki LaFaye for details at: nikki@carvercenterct.org or (203) 945-9665. Your generosity changes the world for over 2,000 children attending 20 schools in Norwalk and Bridgeport.

Carver Foundation of Norwalk…Building Lifetime Achievers! www.carvernorwalk.org MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

eat

left: Corner bar area features tiles by Nemo Tile + Stone, and chairs and bar stools from The Chair Market middle, top: House-made cavatelli with Italian sweet sausage and broccoli rabe middle, bottom: Designer Karin Loglisci right, top: Cola Cola birds right, bottom: The renovated restaurant—fresh, bright and open

HOME AGAIN

n 1985, Coco-Cola introduced New Coke. Movie tickets went for $3. We danced to Madonna and Duran Duran. It was a while ago—and it’s also the year that the Marchetti family opened Columbus Park Trattoria in Stamford. Now it reveals an updated interior space that was worth the wait. Faced with a lockdown, the owners decided to take the plunge and use the time for good. As restaurants across the city shut down, Columbus Park started its rebirth, and they know just who to turn to head the project. “I grew up here in Stamford but had moved away,” says Karin Loglisci, an interior and graphic designer—and the owner of the design firm CreativeTable,

Inc. (creativetable.co). “Then the pandemic hit, and I moved back. The pandemic brought us together—I moved back to Stamford from Brooklyn. I was born and raised in Stamford and reconnected with the local scene—the Marchetti Family hired me to do the interior renovation. I feel it was fate!” She started work on redesigning Columbus Park Trattoria. “I had done the interior design for Applausi in Greenwich and Tarantino in Westport, so it was natural to finish the link with this one, too.” Loglisci drew inspiration from the Marchetti family’s roots in Gravina di Puglia, Italy. “I called on our shared ancestry of Gravina in the stamfordmag.com

project,” she says, adding that the restaurant is a fixture in Stamford and that the family is well known locally. Nonetheless, the place itself had not had a renovation for nearly twenty years and she confesses that it “looked dated.” She was careful to honor classic elements on the project, but also added modern touches that give it a lighter and brighter feel. The bar, for example, features sleek white quartz and walnut-stained wood. It was also opened up behind the staircase, and a bronze mirror and floating glass shelves let light flow into the space. Loglisci also used a Venetian plaster technique on two walls to add texture and interest and replaced the dark ceiling with a light version that features

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KYLE NORTON

COLUMBUS PARK TRATTORIA’S AUTHENTIC ITALIAN FOOD IN AN UPDATED SPACE by diane sembrot

New Covenant Center’s 17th Annual

Celebrity Soirée Wednesday, May 12th | 7 - 8pm

New Covenant Center provides over 600,000 meals each year to our neighbors in need. Our organization serves the disadvantaged and hungry of Lower Fairﬁeld County, 365 days a year. Since the beginning of the pandemic, services have more than doubled. We need your support more than ever!

Full details and to register for the Free Broadcast visit https://event.gives/NCCsoiree2021

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

above: Pan-roasted Hatfield Farms pork chop with rosemary, garlic and hot cherry peppers right: The bar showing mustard-yellow bar stools, whimsical geometric patterned tiles and pendant lights by Chloe Winston

left: Michael Marchetti, owner of Columbus Park Trattoria below: Classic Negroni cocktail

handsome copper molding. She also reworked the color scheme, layering deep yellow, rich blue, earthy red and muted green, calling to mind the colors found throughout Puglia and southern Italy. The owners were cooking food for local hospitals upstairs while Loglisci—with the help of John Cardillo Construction—went about the work of bringing its look forward in the downstairs restaurant. “Despite the pandemic, the Marchettis took advantage of the closure and decided to go forward with the renovation. This gave us optimism, hope and something to look forward to,” she says. The renovation served as a creative outlet and focused them on better days to come. “It feels fresh and open. We’re welcoming back our longtime regular customers and attracting new ones, people who have just moved to town and looking for a good place to eat.” Again, the Marchettis and the Loglisci families share Italian roots to the town of Gravina di Puglia, which inspired the interior design, including a ceramic bird whistle. As a nod, Loglisci added hand-painted terracotta Cola Cola bird whistles, a symbol of virility and hope and mascot of Gravina di Puglia. Like cooking, the tradition of making the birds is passed down through the generations. Her ancestor Vincenzo Loglisci was the original craftsman of the Cola Cola and made the whistles for his children. His grandsons, Beniamino and Vincenzo, perfected the craft and since 1961 have been making and distributing them throughout the region. Karin painted an acrylic on canvas of a Cola Cola hovering atop Gravina, which is simply magical. Her dedication to family, Italy and Stamford helped her create a completely refreshed interior space with a sincere nod to a shared past. “The homemade pastas and outstanding dishes remain the same,” she concludes. “The new interior space speaks to the authenticity, warmth and tradition of the Marchettis’ cuisine and Gravina di Puglia.” It is warm and familiar, and seen through fresh eyes, like coming home after years away. It is a welcoming escape close by. 205 Main St., Stamford, 203-967-9191 Lunch: Wed.–Fri., noon to 2:30 p.m. Dinner: Mon.–Thurs., 5 p.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 5–10:30 p.m. Closed Sundays

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KYLE NORTON

eat

8 LATIN RESTAURANTS Beyond Arepas and Empanadas

PHOTOGRAPHS: ©ATOSS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Stamford is RICH IN LATIN F LAVORS. The cuisine is a multicultural mélange created over 400 years of cooking in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Foods of the native people | mixed with Spanish, African, Middle Eastern, Asian and European ingredients and techniques, to create what today is part of American culture. Our neighborhoods offer contemporary and innovative takes on Latin cooking in places special enough for date night as well as traditional grab-and-go breakfast-lunch-and-dinner joints. by eliz abeth keyser We’ve got a culinary journey before us.

DATE-NIGHT WORTHY 1 // CILANTRO

FLIP-FLOP FRIENDLY

2 // LA PERLE

5 // FLAMBOYANT CHICO COCINA

3 // BRASITAS

4 // ACUARIO

6 // MAMA ROSA LATIN & AMERICAN GRILL

7 // COSECHAS

8 // BACHATA

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

eat NEW FLAVOR

xciting Nuevo Latin fusion culinary adventures abound downtown at 1 CILANTRO (cilantrorestaurantct .com). Family-friendly here means sharing refined, colorfully plated meals. A customer favorite is crisp, fried red snapper filet, resting over red pepper sauce, with avocado relish and mushroom-fava risotto. Risotto? Yes, Italian immigrants influenced Latin food too. Ceviche here is Peruvian-Asian, the seafood served in soy-ginger-citrus vinaigrette. And tacos are filled with roasted pulled duck, mango-black bean salsa, and chipotle-guava sauce. another bonus: Cilantro has a large attractive patio. Haiti’s cuisine has a strong French influence, but Spain was the first colonial power, and its influences can be enjoyed downtown at 2 LA PERLE (laperlect.com), where Haitian Executive Chef Smith St. Juste and co-owner Peter Medoit honor Haiti’s culture and hospitality with contemporary Caribbean dishes. Griot, the national dish of Haiti, is a must-try. Marinated in citrus, habanera pepper and herbs for twenty-four hours, boneless pork shoulder then simmers until tender. Chef Smith fries chunks of the flavorful pork until they’re golden. It’s served with pikliz, spicy pickled green cabbage, and rice and beans. Kibbeh, spiced beef and bulgur croquettes, shows the Syrian influence in Haitian cuisine. Tropical plants and tiki lights give a fun vibe to outdoor seating. 3 BRASITAS (brasitas.com), which introduced its colorful take on Nuevo Latin fusion in 1998, is still going strong. This is the place to order up appetizers for sharing, favorites like coconut shrimp with mango-ginger sauce, skewers of grilled skirt steak, empanadas with creamy guadillo pepper sauce, and arepas, corn cakes with shredded chicken, guacamole and cheese. Coca is a flatbread with toppings, like Serrano ham, burrata, roasted tomatoes and Romanesco sauce. The churrasco guacho is an Argentinian-inspired twelve-ounce grass-fed strip steak with roasted asparagus, fingerling potatoes and chimichurri sauce.

right: Cuban fish tacos with citrus mango slaw from Cilantro.

left: The La Perle pork griot (Haiti’s national dish) is a rich, bold and spicy dish. These are big chunks of pork shoulders lightly fried until delectably caramelized. This dish is served with a traditional cabbage, called pikliz (picklees), brown rice, red beans and fried plantains.

right: The starter Arepas con pollo: sweet corn cakes, shredded chicken sofrito, crema, guacamole, queso fresco from Brasitas below: The interior of Brasitas

PRO TIP

Brush up on your basic Spanish for best results when ordering. stamfordmag.com

RESTAURANT LISTING

DATE-NIGHT WORTHY Jarritos was born in 1950. By 1960, it was being bottled and sold in 80 percent of Mexican states—making Jarritos the bestPHOTOGRAPHS: OPPOSITE PAGE: CILANTRO BY ALEJANDRO J. MONTOYA; LA PERLE DISH COURTESY OF LA PERLE; BRASITAS DISH COURTESY OF BRASITAS; INTERIOR BY MARQUIS GOODWIN; THIS PAGE: MAP BY ©OHAIYOO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM ; BOTTLES CONTRIBUTED BY BRAND

selling, naturally flavored soft drink brand in the country. In 1988, Jarritos began exporting to the United States, where it quickly

TRY THIS DISH food-writer's picks

2 LA PERLE 15 Bank St. 203-388-8600 laperlect.com/new-page

positioned itself as the top-selling Mexican product in the Hispanic market. Every minute, 1,500 bottles of Jarritos are exported. source:

PERU

1 CILANTRO 60 Atlantic St. 203-914-1666 cilantrorestaurantct.com

jarritos.com

3 BRASITAS 954 E. Main St. 203-323-3176 brasitas.com

Pollo a la Brassa ACUARIO

FLIP-FLOP FRIENDLY

SOUTH AMERICAN & CARRIBEAN Pacayas, deep-fried palm flower fritters FLAMBOYANT CHICHO COCINA

ECUADOR

Encebollade de Pescado (seafood stew) MAMA ROSA'S LATIN & AMERICAN GRILL

COLOMBIA

Bandeja Paisa, (steak, egg and chicharrón) COSECHAS

PUERTO RICAN & DOMINICAN

Pernil, slow-roasted pork, Puerto Rican BACHATA

POP CULTURE

4 ACUARIO 78 W. Park Place 203-998-7722 acuariorestaurant.com 5 FLAMBOYANT CHICHO COCINA 61 William St. 203-359-0334 flamboyantchichococina .com 6 MAMA ROSA'S LATIN & AMERICAN GRILL 50 Hamilton Ave. 203-504-2398 7 COSECHAS 324 Hope St. 203-274-7979 cosechasstamford.com 8 BACHATA 822 E. Main St. 203-325-3355

eat TRADITIONAL

above, left: Papa a la huancaina is a classic Peruvian dish from Acuario above, right: Pisco sour, a Peruvian cocktail from Acuario right: Flamboyant Chico Cocina

left: Pargo rojo frito from Mama Rosa's Latin & American Grill far left: Calentado with chicharrón from Cosechas below: Tender beef sirloin tips in gravy with rice, beans and sweet plantain from Bachata

PHOTOGRAPHS: ACUARIO BY MARCELLA BONAITUO; FLAMBOYANT CHICHO COCINA BY JOHN SEMBROT; MAMA ROSA'S COURTESY OF UBER EATS; COSECHAS DISH COURTESY OF COSECHAS; BACHATA BY ETHAN POWERS

eru’s famed pollo a la brassa, a juicy, rotisserie chicken served with chimichurri sauce, can be sampled at 4 ACUARIO (acuariorestaurant .com). They also have a selection of ceviches, made with raw and cooked seafood. Knock pacayas, deep-fried palm flower fritters, off your bucket list at 5 FLAMBOYANT CHICO COCINA (flamboyantchichococina .com), which specializes in South American and Caribbean cooking. Traditional Ecuadorian at 6 MAMA ROSA'S LATIN & AMERICAN GRILL (50 Hamilton Ave.) includes a hearty fish soup with yucca, plantain and corn, lime and cilantro. A side of llapinggachos, potato patties stuffed with cheese, are as much fun to say as they are to eat. At 7 COSECHAS (cosechasstamford.com) in Glendale, the day starts with hearty Columbian breakfasts of huevos and arepas and continues through dinner with bandeja paisa, a rib-sticking plate of steak, chiccaron, chorizo, beans, fried egg, arepa and avocado. Pernil, slow-roasted pork, is a specialty of many Latin countries, and 8 BACHATA (822 E. Main) offers a Puerto Rican/Dominican version. Who makes the best lomo saltado? We’re not touching that one. This Chinese-influenced Peruvian favorite of sautéed strips of beef, onions and tomatoes with soy sauce, served over French fries, with rice, is on almost every traditional Latin menu. Acuario expands saltado to chicken, seafood and vegetarian version. (Nuevo Latin Cilantro does a Jamaican jerk chicken version.)

left: Adam Goldberg, the owner of PopUp Bagels center: A fresh batch of bagels right: Goldberg runs the quickly successful business and makes the bagels

King of Carbs One food-loving dad is rolling it out

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRIVATE PORTRAITS BY JEN GOLDBERG

dam Goldberg has a day job—a good one, in fact. He’s national director of Aquafence, a flood-mitigation company that protects commercial and municipal properties from flooding. Then why does he spend so much time in the kitchen? As luck would have it— for all of us—this Westport dad launched POPUP BAGELS in November 2020, while the rest of the world was focused on the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a business venture, as Adam shared his mouthwatering baked goods with friends and family, unaware of the hype that would ensue. Now, six months later, the PopUp Bagels sensation is living up to its name by doing just that—popping up all over Connecticut, with fans from surrounding states clamoring to snag a spot on his coveted “list.” I sat down with Adam to learn more about his new passion and to uncover the secret behind his overnight success. How did the idea to launch a bagel company come about? “It really launched itself. I was having too much fun making bagels for friends but couldn’t keep up the freebies, so I got a cottage license and started charging people. I wanted to keep up with demand, so continued to increase our capacity, but we are still far from fulfilling every request.” Have you always loved to bake? “I’ve always loved to cook and entertain. Baking was something that I was never patient enough to learn, until Covid-19. The pandemic has taught us all a lot about patience and how to make the best of a difficult and challenging

by emily liebert

waking up early! It’s a learning curve. All of our bagels are hand rolled and cooked and served fresh. We use high-quality ingredients that give our bagel its unique texture and flavor. We also partner with great restaurants that offer amazing schmear options to accompany the bagels. We started working with Don Memo and have recently partnered with Marcia Selden Catering in Stamford. Now, we have a four-month residency set up at Manna Toast’s hub kitchen, which we’re very excited about.” Do you offer a variety of bagels? “Absolutely! At the current time, we’re making Maldon Salt, Everything, Salted Poppy, and Sesame. We’ve also done Plain and Cinnamon Raisin.” How many do you make a week? “On average, we bake fifty dozen bagels a day on the weekends and typically a total of fifty dozen more midweek in the early mornings from my home.”

situation. For me, it was working toward perfecting the bake— everything from sourdough bread and pizzas to buns and, obviously, bagels.”

Do you have a team? “We have a great group of volunteers who 'roll for bagels.' There are usually five of us on the line for each weekend morning bake. I’ve also started hiring some

What’s does the bagel-making process entail? “A lot of rolling and tweaking and

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

talented high school students to work with us—they’ve proven to be very valuable to the model.” Where can people buy PopUp bagels? “Our bagels are sold on our website popupbagels.com. They go on sale three to four days prior and sell out within a few minutes. Pickup is either from my home or our host restaurant, depending on the day. You can also follow @popupbagels on Instagram for updates, fun behind-the-scenes photos and reviews from happy customers.” Will you expand outside of Connecticut? “We already have. In February we did a pop-up with Chef PJ Calapa in Short Hills, New Jersey. PopUp Bagels have also made it to New York and Florida.” What are your future plans for the company? “We’ve just launched our subscription model so that customers can place a standing order for bagels every other week. Now that we have a solid base in our core market, we plan to expand our footprint and operate multiple popups throughout the tristate area as well as other key regions in need of a great on-demand bagel.”

money matters

David Zipkin

fter more than a year of quarantine, many families here in Fairfield County and beyond are itching for a vacation. Remember those? Rousing everybody before the sun comes up, wrangling the kids, the baggage, the nanny, the dog and your in-laws into the car(s) early enough to get a jump on everyone else who is trying to flee? If you’re flying, you’ll need time to park and get to the

terminal. Don’t forget checking your bags and corralling the crew through TSA lines, past testy gatekeepers and onto germy jets. Is that your tired kid screaming on the plane? Of course it is. There is another way, one that’s become increasingly popular during Covid-19, reports David Zipkin, the founder and vicepresident of Tradewind Aviation, a private airline headquartered in Oxford, Connecticut. Private aviation used to be the predilection of our millionaire neighbors. Not anymore. According to aviation industry tracker WINGX, charter demand is at an all-time high. For short flights especially, family flying on a private jet is not only attractive, but also surprisingly comparably priced. The cost of flying private depends on two things: the size of the plane and the amount of time spent in the air. Tradewind Aviation’s turbo-jets, for example, cost $4,295 per occupied hour. That rate drops to $3,800 for frequent-flyers with a forty-hour

Even for Big Shots, Small Can Be Better The advantage of local airports

IS PRIVATE AVIATION RIGHT FOR YOU? card. The planes seat eight, or $475 per passenger on a full plane. Says Zipkin, “Sometimes two families get together and split the plane,” as do business travelers heading to the same destination, girlfriends on getaways, buddies attending bachelor parties, and the like. There is no added cost for baggage, pets or parking, which can save hundreds of dollars per person. Passengers can bring their own food and drink without it being confiscated by security. A flight from Westchester Airport to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, the Berkshires or the Hamptons, for example, takes an hour, versus five or six hours by car and ferry. “Time is money,” Zipkin says. “You can drive right up to the airplane. The ground handlers assist with your luggage and the valet parks the car.” Zipkin and his brother Eric founded Tradewind Aviation in 2001, when the World Trade Center towers fell and the Zipkin brothers, who grew up in Bedford, NY, understood that

air travel was about to change drastically. New safety measures meant no more dashing through airport entrances and running to the gate. “We knew the Nantucket market very well. We bought one airplane and just built everything organically. There was a group of commuters who owned a home out there, but needed to get back home to Stamford or whatever from Monday through Friday. They got together to share a charter. We have clients who leave the office at 5 p.m. and they’re in Nantucket by 6 p.m. and having dinner with their family.” Now the Zipkins have twenty-four planes, with scheduled flights in addition to their charter service. Tradewind Aviation’s hub in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a popular launching pad for luxury island-hopping in the Caribbean. “Pre-Covid, we’d fly between twenty and thirty flights per day to St. Bart’s. There’s a higher cost to doing it well and doing it luxuriously, but for the folks who can afford it,” Zipkin says, “they just love it.”

Just bringing the brood to Westchester Airport from many parts of Fairfield County might feel like a schlep, and that’s where private aviation becomes more attractive. Smaller planes can land in small airports; with enough notice, customers can reserve their own turbo-prop for Stratford, New Haven, Danbury, Oxford or other small airports, and Tradewind Aviation will have one waiting there at no extra cost.

stamfordmag.com

CONTRIBUTED

THE HIGH LIFE

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

COMING THIS SUMMER: WARM BREEZES AND BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS

SAILS I KAYAKS AND PADDLE BOARDS I SUMMER CAMPS

July 10 | FLOTILLA

August 28 | HARBORFEST

Kayak & paddle board tour on Long Island Sound

Free waterfront festival on Stamford Harbor

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD SoundWaters_May21.indd 1

4/9/21 11:44 AM

The

Good Life ©DASHA PETRENKO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Whether a newcomer or lifelong resident, we’re all on the hunt for new and creative ways to live life better here. We’ve got this!

THE GOOD LIFE TEAM v e ne ra ale xandrova, liz baron , g a rv i n bu rk e, t i m c a rr , m eg a n g ag n on , m a ry kat e h o gan , jil l j ohnson mann, j ule e kapl an, c ri st i n m a r a n di n o, d on na mof f ly, dia n e sem brot, tay l or stroi li

125 Ways

to live, play, relax and connect in Fairfield County

n 2019 we brought you our first Good Life Issue—a compilation of ideas for home improvement, family fun, shopping and special services throughout Fairfield County. Then came 2020, and, well, it’s obvious why the section took a hiatus. This year, we set out to provide you with sources and ideas to help you enjoy life in today’s world—we call it Good Life 2.0. Here, we explore special and unique ways to take your living spaces to the next level, enjoy safe and relaxing getaways, stay active and creative and, of course, shop gorgeous fashion and jewelry finds (because we’re pretty sure everyone is ready for a style pick-me-up). Our post-Covid world will certainly look a little different for a while, but we’re thrilled to celebrate what we all know to be true—pandemic or not—that our corner of the world is a pretty special place to call home. » AT HOME

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HOME DECOR

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GETAWAYS

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OUT & ABOUT

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

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FASHION

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JEWERLY

TheGoodLife ||| AT HOME

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

The Home Front Luxury home upgrades that are trending now

ver the past year people turned their attention to their homes more than ever, putting a fresh eye on what matters most. We all needed a secure haven and respite (and still do) while also longing for a place to reconnect with family and friends. It was harder to ignore things that need

fixing and updating when you were home 24/7, but it was also a time to dream big. So, we talked to experts about how people are investing in their surroundings and learned about some of the ultimate in home upgrades now that we can finally open our doors to friends again.

stamfordmag.com

WOODRUFF AND BROWN

by mary k ate ho gan

OUTSIDE IN

CHARLES HILTON ARCHITECTS

hiltonarchitects.com

Our desire to commune with nature has reached an all-time high. Studies have found that taking in natural light and beautiful scenery reduces stress and improves well-being, even boosting our immune systems. A conservatory affords these perks year-round. “People want to feel like they’re out in nature and enjoying their yard, even if it’s the middle of winter,” says Charles Hilton, AIA, who says that glazed rooms have been high on homeowners’ wish lists. He created a light-filled office—such a soothing spot to work—and sitting room, which looks out onto a boxwood-framed terrace with a center fountain and a pond and stream beyond. To create a similar space, these are things to consider: You need top-quality windows and doors, ideally insulated with two or three layers of glass and a low-e (low-emission) coating that lets in sunlight but minimizes solar heat gain in the summer months. It’s important for a glassed-in room to have its own HVAC zone, because it will lose and gain heat differently than other rooms in the home. Solar shades are a must for controlling sunlight and privacy. In this space, the shades are remote controlled, and the ceiling shades retract into a concealed soffit around the perimeter. Choose shades that you can see through, and then even when you want less sun, you can still soak up the view.

DESTRESS & DETOX SBP HOMES sbphomes.com It’s no secret that people enjoyed cocktail hour with more gusto over the past year. When you have no commute, there’s more time to mix a margarita or martini. This trend has staying power as people have been adding bars into their homes, says Doron Sabag of SBP Homes, in living rooms and finished basements. However, in our health-conscious age, Doron says, there’s also an increase in home spas and infrared saunas. “As people drink more, they feel they need to detox,” he says. Infrared saunas promise many benefits. “Apparently they detox, increase metabolism, keep your skin healthy, make you happy. Why not have one?” For one client he’s building a family spa room with a sauna, steam unit and soaking tub with outdoor access to a porch with a heated floor. “It’s the most glamorous spa we’ve ever done.”

above: Chilling out at home has fresh appeal when you have a room like this, outfitted with a well-equipped, built-in bar and pool table.

LUCKY DOGS GRAND ENTRANCE grandentrance.com Undeniably the big winners of the pandemic, our pooches have enjoyed so much extra love and attention. As things improve and you find yourself with slightly less time for three walks a day, how can you still keep Buddy happy? A functional yet decorative fence and gate can keep him safe on your property while also adding overall security. “People have been moving up from the city and buying houses; after a few weeks they decide they’re never going back. They’re used to security, and that has predicated more fencing and gates,” says Don Gore of Grand Entrance Gates. “Pets are driving some of the work. It’s about keeping animals in and safe and predators out.” (See the NextDoor app for an album’s worth of bobcats, coyotes and more.) At one Greenwich home, Grand Entrance created a special dog run that adds to the landscape, with its bronze railing on top, while also giving the pup room to roam. The company installs a wide range of classic and modern style fencing and gates as well as custom stone walls, outdoor fireplace and patios—all enhancing outdoor living. “Now that family can open the door, let the dog out and not worry about a thing.” » MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

4 T AKE A DIP

SHORELINE POOLS

shorelinepools.com

Vanishing-edge pools continue to be popular, as do pools with built-in spas, like this one from Shoreline, overlooking Long Island Sound.

5 VANDERHORN ARCHITECTS FOUR SEASONS LIVING

vanderhornarchitects.com

After stretching the limits of the normal outdoor dining season, many people realized that they’d love to take more advantage of their outside spaces even in the coldest month. Outdoor living was already a huge focus before the pandemic, and now builders and architects are turning up the heat on patio and pergola designs. “We did a terrific outdoor patio recently where we put in a glass cathedral roof across the whole terrace,” says Doug Vanderhorn of Vanderhorn Architects (think JHouse’s outside dining area). There’s a fireplace, and electric heaters are built into that glass roof, so they can use the space yearround. This type of built-in heating—strips that aim the warm air down onto the area—keep things much toastier than the big heat lamps, and it’s unobtrusive in the warmer months.

“People are looking for a little more luxury at home, and we’re seeing a strong desire to create well-appointed outdoor living spaces and entertaining areas.”

left: This Georgianstyle pool house by Vanderhorn Architects reflects elegant indooroutdoor living with a kitchen, bar and sitting area inside and a patio with built-in firepit outside and nearby pergola and dining table.

—john defeo, shoreline p o ols stamfordmag.com

DOUG VANDERHORN: GUS CANTAVERO PHOTOGRAPHY

More homeowners have been taking the plunge into installing pools. “People are looking for a little more luxury at home, and we’re seeing a desire to create well-appointed outdoor living spaces and entertaining areas,” says John DeFeo, PLA, director of design services at Shoreline Pools. The company creates custom pools, and the trend is toward making them useable yeararound with built-in spas and fire and heating features. Automatic pool covers have also become popular, not only because of the safety benefits but they also help maintain pool temps during fringe seasons and in the evening. “High-end pool and outdoor living design uses topography, sun patterns, architecture and landscape as inspiration,” says John. His team works closely with clients to design something perfectly suited to how the family plans to enjoy the pool. They can layer in fun elements such as lounge spaces, sun shelves and water features with vanishing or wet edges, ensuring that everybody’s into the pool.

TheGoodLife ||| HOME FRONT

BREW JUST FOR YOU TOPBREWER topbrewernyc.com Missing your morning Starbucks runs? Instead you can sit in bed, tap an app and have a barista-style beverage made to your exact specifications in your own kitchen with TopBrewer. This is the ultimate high-end coffee technology, with origins in the office world, that’s made its way into people’s home kitchens. The sleek system is designed to take up minimal counter space—all you see is the faucet; the components are placed in the cabinet underneath with separate lines for coffee, chocolate and water. Pick your beverage of choice, whether cappuccino, latte, mochaccino, flat white, hot chocolate, Café Americano, etc. Adjust the strength and froth from your phone or name your custom drink to get one exactly the way you like it every time. The machine also pours sparkling and flat water. “There’s nothing else like it,” says Lisa Damore, vice president of sales, “It’s such a wow factor.”

THE HAPPIEST HAPPY HOUR

CARDELLO ARCHITECTS & SMALLBONE

cardelloarchitects.com; smallbone.co.uk

The bar has truly been raised on at-home happy hour. Cocktail culture has become even more of a thing, and now you’ll find mini fridges in closets, whole closets turned into bars and exceptional wine rooms. In a new home in Greenwich, Robert Cardello of Cardello Architects designed a wine cellar and entertaining space for a Bordeaux buff. The wine room has a big farm table in the center and a working fireplace. Around the perimeter a glass wall separates the refrigerated wine from the entertaining space. “He goes down there to hang out with friends, drink and relax. It’s such a comfortable place to spend time,” says Robert of his client. There’s just enough space to walk in and access the bottles, which are on display all around the room and kept at the perfect temperature behind the glass. And the décor: “It’s like you stepped into an old Italian winery.” Smallbone also creates one-of-a-kind wine rooms, such as this wine and cigar lounge (above) in a New York City home. It’s outfitted with ebonized black walnut furniture and museum-glass display cabinets with picture-frame interior-lit shelving. The essential full-service bar has a hidden icemaker, dishwasher, cold drawers and a hammered pewter bar sink, all built into an antiqued brown granite countertop. A wall expertly clad in stone supports a hidden mirror flat-screen TV, and the clients commissioned a custom Veuve Clicquot cigar humidor. A quiet night in has never looked this good. » MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

TheGoodLife ||| HOME FRONT

This chic office shed with built-ins from California Closets serves as a work “oasis” for lifestyle blogger Erin Hiemstra. She also uses the 10-by-10 backyard retreat as a place to do yoga.

GAME ON! FULL SWING GOLF fullswinggolf.com Peleton and The Mirror may have been the most talked-about home-fitness obsessions, but for some, a coveted way to stay active at home is to install a golf simulator. To have the right set-up for a simulator, you need some space: ten-foot ceilings to be precise. One system that architects recommend is called Full Swing, a simulator that’s installed in the homes of PGA tour champions including Tiger Woods. It uses infrared lightwave technology combined with high-speed cameras for the most realistic ball tracking, and you can even opt for a surface called Virtual Green that lets you putt. But you’ll need plenty of green’s fees saved to purchase one, as they start at $40,000. stamfordmag.com

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

californiaclosets.com

The shift to work-at-home life made organizing and setting up an office space a high priority for many of us. “Everyone evolved to saying the kitchen table is not going to cut it,” says Jill LaRue, SVP, chief merchandising officer at California Closets, who adds that the out-of-necessity home office became the company’s biggest growth area last year. “When you have disorganized spaces, it’s hard to start and end your day, particularly when your day is twenty-four hours at home.” Architects also observed the workspace trend. “Home offices are a big deal—with people spending more money on better sound systems, power operated shades, large televisions where they may be doing Zoom calls,” says Doug Vanderhorn of Vanderhorn Architects. Some people quickly turned spare rooms into offices, and California Closets has a system to equip those spaces with wall beds, so they can still double as a guest room when needed. For any home office, ergonomic design is key; and Jill says their designers are trained to set up the best positioning for your desk chair, drawer space and computer monitor. She notes that some home desks were created more for light use, like bill paying, not for full days at work, so people may need to upgrade. Those fortunate to have outbuildings on their property have been transforming them into creative work and craft spaces and She-Shed-style offices (see photo). It’s a real luxury to be able to head to an on-site studio and tell the rest of the family, “Ok, I’m off to my own space now.”

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS: AUBRIE PICK

OFFICE SPACE (ELEVATED)

above: In this meditation room, the artisan Smallbone open wall array was finished in ultra-fine flat soft-white lacquer and centered around the ancient sun sign.

SERENITY NOW SMALLBONE smallbone.co.uk Stress relief and a sense of calm are needed more than ever, and people are turning to meditation. Still, it’s hard to carve out space and time to make the practice a habit. That’s where a meditation zone comes in. Smallbone was recently hired to “master the art of Zen” and design a meditation and reading room for a client. “A holistic approach was essential to bring together the purest of elements, skillfully blended into a serene palette,” says David Trainer, senior designer at Smallbone. The open wall was centered around the ancient sun sign, bringing energy to the center of the space; Feng Shui and numerology were applied to the wallscape to assure a flow of Chi energy. There’s a chaise lounge for relaxing and reading and a desk for writing and journaling. Softly diffused, concealed lighting and healing crystals from the client’s collection combine for seriously good vibes.

UPGRADE MAISON HAVEN 11 STYLE

maisonhaven.com

MASON HAVEN: JULIA D’AGOSTINO

They say a good day starts with a great outfit. No wonder we were in the dumps for so long when, on top of everything else, sweatpants became our go-to. It’s high time to get dressed again and to overhaul our closets and wardrobes. If that task seems too daunting, call on Maison Haven, a team that will edit your clothes, refresh your rooms, clean out clutter and devise organizing systems so attractive that you’ll be motivated to keep them that way. While the firm was recently focused on kitchens and pantries (all those Costco panic purchases), they’re seeing a shift back to closets. “Your closet should be an inspiring place to start every day. There’s no reason to wear something that doesn’t make you feel like a million bucks,” says Corrie Jackson, co-founder of Maison Haven. “You don’t want a closet full of one-hit wonders.” Whether they’re working on one closet or the whole house (they do kids rooms, family rooms and offices, too), they will discuss your needs, take photos and measurements, and create a plan that includes mood boards for products that work with your design and color palette. The best part: You don’t have to lift a finger. The team has occasionally had vacation-bound clients hand them the keys and let them work their magic. Prefer a more DIY approach? Try Haven in a Box, the kit gives you everything you need: a glossy bible of tips, tricks and step-by-step info; curated products (think chic acrylic hanging dividers); tutorials on creating a shoe well, how to file, fold and other organizing essentials. » MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

TheGoodLife ||| HOME DECOR

House Dressing We love where we live, but decorating our homes can often feel like a challenge. These stores are here to help by megan gagnon

above: Serena and Lily’s inviting spaces include a mix of classic furniture lines with relaxed finishes and natural texture

LOCATION, LOCATION SERENA & LILY serenaandlily.com

ost customers who visit Serena & Lily’s Westport flagship admit to wanting to move in. We don’t blame them, having experienced the magic that comes from seeing the coastal California line merchandised in an actual home. The historic KemperGunn house, an 1889-built Queen Anne Victorian, provides the ideal setting for the brand’s variety of offerings, with complete rooms styled from rugs on the floor to lighting on the ceiling. Utilize the work room—where you can browse a wall of textile swatches—with your own designer or an advisor on staff. Or get inspired by any number of spaces, like the third-floor setup, which includes a dreamy kids’ installation.

stamfordmag.com

RECIPE FOR STYLE

BROWNE & CO.

dianebrowne.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: BEEHIVE BY BROOKE ALLISON; THE LINEN SHOP BY KYLE NORTON; ELEISH VAN BREEMS HOME BY NEIL LANDINO; ALL OTHER IMAGES COURTESY OF STORES

There’s always something that smells good at Darien’s Browne & Co. Is it the Lafco candles, or perhaps the freshly baked cookies that line the bakery case at the back of the store? Chances are, it’s probably both, and owner and caterer Diane Browne was wise to combine a retail space with her popular café. Even if you only came to grab lunch, you have to make it past the tables and shelves filled with decor finds and women’s accessories without something catching your eye (no easy feat). If you really want to do it right, order ahead for your next holiday meal or dinner party and then pick out new platters, bowls and napkins to serve them with.

IT PERSONAL 13 MAKE THE LINEN SHOP

thelinenshopct.com

A downtown mainstay on Elm Street in New Canaan, The Linen Shop is like the luxury boutique version of Bed, Bath & Beyond. And by beyond, we’re talking everything from monogrammed tissue-box covers to tabletop treasures for every entertaining opportunity. When it comes to bed-making, bathroom-stocking and table-setting, the options are endless, with a variety of colors and prints to choose from. Let the knowledgeable staff help you coordinate your finds or create the ultimate wedding registry.

SWEDE HOME 16 HOME ELEISH VAN BREEMS HOME

evbantiques.com

Head to the Westport train station, not to catch a ride to New York, but to escape into the Scandinavian world that Rhonda Eleish and Edie Van Breems have created just steps from the tracks. Eleish Van Breems Home is the culmination of a decadeslong friendship and design business built around Swedish antiques. The store includes their mid-century discoveries alongside unique pieces like Rolf painted candlesticks, whimsical items for kids and chic pet accessories from Max Bone. Everything in their edit reflects a refreshing aesthetic: a mix of furniture with history and modern touches from skilled artisans.

BUZZWORTHY

BEEHIVE

thebeehivefairfield.com

The danger with a shop like the Beehive is that you go in with the intention of buying a gift for someone else and end up leaving with five things for yourself. You spot the doormat you didn’t know you needed, eye some pillows your couch has been missing, and grab the candle that promises to make your house smell as good as the store—all before you get to the table stacked with serveware that you came in to see. Create your own vignette at home with furniture and accessories purchased on site, or hire owners Sandra Halstead and Lesley Collins to bring their design expertise to your home project or renovation, large or small.

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

TheGoodLife ||| HOME DECOR

BLEND 18 HOUSE THE DRAWING ROOM

thedrawingroomhome.com

There’s a surprise around every corner of The Drawing Room in Cos Cob. Start in the retail space, where styled books and decor sit on antique furniture and lead to other home finds, jewelry and gifts (don’t forget to grab a cheeky card). Tucked behind the store, you can find inspiration in the art gallery, featuring pieces from local, national and international artists. Beyond the exhibition space, you’ll get a peek into the cafe, where guests nibble on tea sandwiches and freshly baked treats. All three buildings reflect the passions of husband and wife team Kenleigh and Michael Larock. Let them help with decorating needs, provide art consultation services or cater your next party.

EXTRA, EXTRA

THE TAILORED HOME

thetailoredhomect.com

The world of Jhon Ortiz and partner Scott Falciglia is a maximalist’s dream come true. With their business, The Tailored Home, the two visionaries execute projects marked by their use of saturated color, statement lighting and bold printed upholstery. In their showrooms, furniture fantasies become reality, custom pieces are imagined, and vintage finds are revived and given a modern makeover. As for finishing touches, look to their window treatments or an array of styling accessories to add yet another layer of personality. See them for yourself in Greenwich, or stop by their brand-new Westport location.

ESCAPE 20 GREAT BUNGALOW

Not all of us can travel the world, scouring antiques shops and flea markets for one-of-a-kind treasures. But we’re happy to have Wende Cohen do the digging, filling a shipping container with European finds season after season, and then sharing her loot at her Westport store. Give yourself some time if you plan on making a stop at Bungalow; the gorgeous space deserves your undivided attention, and you’ll want to take in every styled corner. But be warned: while the selection of furniture and home accessories is fabulous, there is an equally tempting rotation of jewelry that is hard to resist.

HUNTING 19 GO THE COLLECTIVE

thecollectivect.com

Sometimes, something old is better than something new. And as local antiques lovers know, Stamford’s South End is a gold mine for pieces with history. At The Collective, designer Pamela Frisoli (you know her from her Cos Cob store, Trovare Home) teamed up with antiquarians Robert and Karen DeFalco to create a unique shopping experience. Against a backdrop of the bright white 13,000-square-foot space, dealers style their curated booths into vignettes that show off their furniture and vintage accessories, like pairs of mid-century chairs and 19-century oil paintings. Chances are you’ll run into interior designers sourcing for their own projects, a sign that you’re in the right spot.

stamfordmag.com

THE COLLECTIVE BY TOM MCGOVERN; BUNGALOW BY TIM LENZ; ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF STORES

bungalowdecor.com

MIX MASTER HABITAT GREENWICH habitatgreenwich.com

im Caravella is all about layering and texture. It’s the signature style that she’s honed over a long interior-design career, and visitors get a glimpse of her work every time they pop into her Cos Cob store, habitatgreenwich. There are sprinkles of color throughout the store, but most of the goods show off a master class in mixing neutrals; the metallic finish of an antique French mirror over a woven basket of hand-looped alpaca pillows, an oversized rattan pendant illuminating rustic thrown pottery and original artwork. Need a housewarming gift? Consider adding an orchid to her selection of vintage stone pots or opt for a purchase that gives back to local nonprofits, a priority for the community-minded Caravella. »

There is always unique artwork on display at Habitat Greenwich

MAY 2021 GREENWICH

TheGoodLife ||| GETAWAYS

Escape Artists From your own backyard to a Wyoming ranch, electric bikes to private jets—where and how to escape this summer by jill johnson mann

above: Hinckley Yachts’ Talaria 43 sets the scene for a summer of great memories as a family. Retractable windows and a half door provide open space between cockpit and galley.

or months we had to put our travel plans on hold. Even now, as we work our way through vaccine lines, we remain hesitant about heading off to destinations with pre-pandemic reckless abandon. We’re sticking closer to home or looking for off-thebeaten path getaways. We sought out extraordinary “escapes” that make the most of living well here. We found ways to get out on the water, soar into the blue skies or travel by engine power or actual horse power for when we just need to get away from it all. Save the travel agent traps—we’re talking easy, fun and refreshing friends and family time.

BITTERROOT RANCH

bitterrootranch.com

Astride sturdy steeds in the unspoiled mountainous wilderness of Wyoming, riders enjoy several advantages during a pandemic: They are out in the fresh air and naturally maintain six feet between fellow equestrians. For these reasons (and maybe because it’s one place everyone should visit in this lifetime) Bitterroot Ranch remained open in 2020. They expect a full season again this year, from May 23 to October 1, including two yoga and riding retreats (July 11–18 and August 23–30). Bitterroot is neither a hokey dude ranch nor an over-the-top luxe one where the focus is more on thread count than a good gallop. It is the real deal, catering to beginner and expert riders alike and even offering English saddles and a cross-country course for those who prefer jumping to roping. You will not find yourself plodding along on a lazy nag here. Bitterroot boasts fit, eager and astoundingly sure-footed horses, along with breathtaking views in every direction on its 1,300 acres and beyond to the Shoshone National Forest and a 52,000-acre game and fish wildlife refuge. This escape is quite literally in the middle of nowhere. A private airport is forty minutes away; Jackson is two hours. A one-week stay is $2,750 per person ($1,750 non-rider/fly fisherman); half a week runs $1,750 ($1,100 non-rider). The yoga retreat is $3,000/week. Cuisine—healthy and delicious—is included.

stamfordmag.com

HINCKLEY, GARY JOHN NORMAN; BITTERROOT, JEFF VANUGA

RIDE OF A LIFETIME

24-26 BOAT ESCAPES HINCKLEY YACHTS

hinckleyyachts.com/ location/stamford-ct

LAND ROVER BY NICK DIMBLEBY; PERFORMANCE FLIGHT ©JOEL BARHAMAND; SCHOONER BY MIKE BAGLEY; HINCKLEY, GARY JOHN NORMAN; CAREFREE BOAT, CONTRIBUTED

NOT YOUR FATHER’S SUV

LAND ROVER DEFENDER

landroverdarien.com

In keeping with the survivalist theme of the era we live in, you don’t want to be driving a wimpy car. The Land Rover Defender won Motortrend’s 2021 SUV of the Year. This rugged vehicle is ready for anything—off road or on. “The Defender is refined. It’s quite luxurious but, unlike many SUVs, it’s a proper off-roader and incredibly capable on the road,” says Nick Hilton at Land Rover Darien. “It’s quite square. People like boxy designs; it reminds them of vehicles of old, but it doesn’t drive like one.” Add an Adventure Pack (because who doesn’t need an adventure about now?) for accessories like a side-mounted gear carrier to store dirty or wet items, portable rinse system to wash the mud off your bike or your boots, and an integrated air compressor to inflate the tires or an airbed. Land Rover’s Defender 90 X-Dynamic is available now, and the V8 model will arrive this summer. Prices range from about $50,000 to $100,000.

tailored to perfection With the glistening Long Island Sound nearby, a private boat escape is a no-brainer for summer. To buy the yacht of your dreams, visit Hinckley Yachts in Stamford. All Hinckley boats are custom-built in Maine, where the company builds only thirty boats per year. They run from thirty-two to fifty-five feet, with forty-three feet being the most popular (pictured below). The Stamford location also offers service, a marina and summer/winter storage.

CAREFREE BOAT CLUB

carefreeboats.com join the club Prefer all the joys of boating without the responsibility of ownership? Join Carefree Boat Club and your membership buys you access to top-of-the-line boats across the U.S. and Canada, as well as training by licensed captains. A boat with a cabin is available for overnight trips. Refueling, cleaning and covering the boat are hassles members kiss goodbye. It has two Fairfield County locations: Stamford’s Harbor Point and in Westport (below, Sea Witch). See the available fleet at either local website.

SOUNDWATERS

soundwaters.org

majesty on the high seas For an unforgettable outing, charter the SoundWaters, an eightyfoot schooner modeled after a Chesapeake Bay sharpie. Enjoy a Long Island Sound sunset, while giant sails guide you away from to-do lists. It carries forty passengers, and charter reservations are open through September. The decks accommodate wheelchairs. Children must be five years or older and accompanied by an adult. A twohour private sail is $2,000. Longer voyages are available. Email schooner@ soundwaters.org or call 203-406-3319.

PILOT PROGRAM

PERFORMANCE FLIGHT

performanceflight.com

If you’re looking to make great escapes a way of life, learn to fly your own plane. Performance Flight, the sister company to Custom Jet Charters (see #31), is a world-renowned flight school, based at Westchester Airport. “I started with the flight school,” says owner and Westporter Lewis Liebert, who manages a fleet of forty-three aircraft. “That’s what I’m passionate about.” The school’s Next Generation Training Platform and new Cirrus planes are state of the art, and Liebert hires only “the most talented instructors.” In sixty to seventy hours (forty is the legal minimum) and for $60,000, a pilot’s license can be yours. Looking for ways to help your flighty teen escape? Youth train at Performance Flight as well. They can fly solo at sixteen and acquire a license at age seventeen. »

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

TheGoodLife ||| GETAWAYS

NEW ENGLAND CHARM

FOUR COLUMNS

fourcolumnsvt.com

28-29 TWO-WHEELIN’ DANNY’S CYCLES

dannyscycles.com

Bikes were in huge demand last year, so start your bike escape plan by getting your name on the waitlist for the model you want! Electric or “e-bikes” are all the rage. Craig at Danny’s Cycles in North Stamford (there’s also a location in Darien) explains how they work: “An e-bike takes your speed and doubles it or quadruples it. If you generate 100 watts, it pushes out 200 watts. You can choose to ride with it completely off or on economy, sport or turbo mode.” The e-bike boost enables you to cover more distance in a shorter time frame, see more beautiful Connecticut scenery, and break as much of a sweat as you want. It’s perfect if you have a spouse who likes to cruise while you are going for the wicked burn. E-road bikes run $5,000 and up; the Specialized’s Turbo Creo is a favorite. Electric mountain bikes are also a blast; check out the Turbo Levo ($6,500 and up).

SOUND CYCLISTS

soundcyclists.com

Where to ride? Craig at Danny’s Cycles recommends the fifty-mile ride from North Stamford to Titicus Reservoir in North Salem, New York, or “a good 100 miles from Kent up to Salisbury on old-school farming roads.” He also suggests joining Sound Cyclists Bicycle Club. For a mere $35 annual family membership, you and your peeps can enjoy a variety of guided rides, for all levels, on road and off.

FLIGHTS OF FANCY

CUSTOM JET CHARTERS

customjetcharters.com

“I don’t normally do this, but you understand, I don’t want to fly with everyone!” Westport resident and Custom Jet Charters’ owner Lewis Liebert heard this a lot in the past year. Private aviation is no longer only about comfort and efficiency, but also steering clear of airport and airplane germs. But like going from coach to first class, it’s tough to turn back once you’ve experienced the high life. “I flew commercially to Sonoma with a group of friends. It took us sixteen hours door-to-door,” says Liebert. “Privately it would have been seven.” Whisking your sweetheart away to the Point at Saranac Lake in an hour, rather than spending five times that in a car, is tempting—and romantic. “I had one client who was having trouble getting a girl to go on a date with him. He told her, ‘C’mon, let’s go get lobster for dinner.’ She replied, ‘I only like fresh lobster.’ So he flew her up to Maine!” With fewer commercial flights, chartered flights are attractive for remote, fabulous locales, such as Blackberry Farm, Tennessee; the hills of North Carolina; Nantucket; Jackson Hole or Bitterroot Ranch in Wyoming. A trip to Nantucket is $3,500 to $4,000 each way, for six to eight passengers. Throw a copy of Emily Liebert’s novel Pretty Revenge in your beach bag (she happens to be Lewis’s wife). stamfordmag.com

A SOUND IDEA

CARITAS ISLAND

thejuliehillgroup.com

If you are looking to make escaping permanent, your own private island in Wallock’s Point, Stamford, should do the trick. The four-acre Caritas Island, also known as Greenway Island, was once owned by J.P. Morgan’s great-grandson and boasts a 17,000-square-foot Englishstyle manor, several guest houses, private beaches, a tennis court and a fifty-five-foot lap pool. The estate can be reached from the mainland via a gated, private bridge, which is a short drive from Shippan. Should arriving by car to your island feel a bit pedestrian, there is always the helipad or the 200-foot-deep dock for your yacht. This private island is yours for $14.5 million.

Four Columns, situated in gorgeous Newfane, Vermont, is an easy 2.5-hour drive from Fairfield County. The fifteen-room historic inn was restored by Delamar owner and Greenwich resident Charles Mallory. Consulting with Delamar’s Executive Chef Frederic Kieffer, Mallory created a winning combination—an authentic New England inn and locally sourced cuisine at its Artisan Restaurant, Tavern and Garden. Dining continued outdoors last summer, overlooking the inn’s beautiful gardens, and the restaurant will open again before Memorial Day weekend. The 138-acre property boasts its own 2.5-mile hiking trail, an outdoor pool, gym, spa and a separate four-bedroom house. It is feasible to rent out the entire inn as well as the house, and Four Columns can accommodate a 150-person tented wedding. Whether planning a couple’s getaway or a larger gathering, guests should check its website for updates on Vermont’s Covid restrictions. Rooms range from $185 to $345. The house is $550 (midweek) to $600 (weekends) and sleeps nine.

GRAYBARNS BY MORGAN IONE YEAGER; WINVIAN FARM FOREST BEDROOM BY ©KINDRA CLINEFF; VELUXITY EXOTIC CAR RENTAL BY JOHN HINCHEY

GOLD—OR SILVER—MINE

THE INN AT GRAYBARNS

graybarns.com

Skip the traveling altogether and escape down the road to a hidden gem right here on the Silvermine River. The Inn at GrayBarns boasts six gorgeous king suites with living rooms and luxurious full baths, designed to tie in the natural environment with reclaimed wood and wide-board oak floors. The antique feel of the post-and-beam inn is complemented by all the contemporary comforts for a restorative getaway. Each suite is different—opt for a balcony or for a lower-level suite leading out to a pond. Even better, rent the whole inn for a friend or family reunion after this isolating year. A complimentary breakfast is delivered to your door (replacing the usual buffet) and the Tavern at GrayBarns offers indoor and outdoor seating (following reduced capacity guidelines). The Inn at GrayBarns, owned by the Glazer family of Norwalk, is situated a mile from Silvermine Arts Center, 3.5 miles to The Glass House (tours of architect Philip Johnson’s jewel are ongoing) and 5 miles from New Canaan’s 300-acre Waveny Park. Rooms run $750 (midweek) to $900 (weekend). Escape for even one night—no minimum stay is required.

QUICK ESCAPE

VELUXITY EXOTIC CAR RENTAL

veluxityexoticcarrental.com

If you don’t want to get on a plane but still want to feel like you’re flying, Veluxity Exotic Car Rental will deliver your dream car right to your door. “Our Lamborghini Huracan Spyder is fully optioned with carbon fiber racing seats. It’s akin to a slingshot on acceleration and a blast to drive on Connecticut backroads,” says Veluxity owner Ron Petruska. Want something roomier? How about Lamborghini’s Urus SUV, which combines the comfort of a luxury SUV with the power of a twin turbo V8 supercar. “The Urus is actually faster to sixty than our Ferrari,” says Petruska. Looking to cruise Connecticut’s coastal towns? The fourseater Rolls Royce Dawn convertible will clear your head of any pent-up pandemic anxiety. An exotic car also makes a memorable gift. “A client surprised her husband with our Ferrari 488 GTB. They led an elaborate scavenger hunt that led him, blindfolded, to our warehouse in Mount Kisco. She had a Happy Birthday banner for him, and he was in tears when he realized the Ferrari was his for the day! They then unleashed it on the winding roads of Bear Mountain.” Prices range from $1,600 to $1,800 per day.

RELAIS & CHATEAUX RETREAT

WINVIAN FARM

winvian.com

WESTPORT ESCAPE

If you want to feel like you’ve stepped out of reality and into a magical land, Winvian Farm (at right, below) in Litchfield County is the escape for you. With eighteen private cottages spread across 113 acres, social distancing is a given. “Seedto-fork” Five-Diamond fine dining (indoors, outdoors or in-cottage) and a luxury spa assure you will feel pampered, while at the same time enjoying the remote tranquility of your unique rustic-chic lodgings. With each whimsical cottage designed by different renowned architects, we can promise you’ve never been anywhere like this. “Beaver House,” “Log Cabin” and “Treehouse” are a few of the most secluded cottages (but there is zero chance of being disturbed by your neighbors in any of them). “With travelers seeking closer-to-home getaways, Winvian Farm is an ideal relaxing retreat,” says Maggie Smith, Winvian proprietor and longtime Greenwich resident. “Our location is roughly an hour from most Fairfield County towns. Our pool is an oasis during warmer months, and each accommodation comes with two mountain bikes, so guests can explore the beauty of the Litchfield Hills and take in the fresh country air.” Winvian has a dedicated Covid-19 program in place called “Pure Winvian” (details are on the website). Rates range from $799 to $1,399/night. There is a two-night minimum on weekends. If you rent the whole place, you can bring along fifty lucky friends.

SEAGRAM’S CREEK

mghomes.com

This thirteen-acre estate (at right, top) comes equipped with a helicopter landing zone on the lawn, but once ensconced here, you may never want to leave. Architect Michael Greenberg began with a nineteenth-century chestnut barn, transported from Nichol’s Farm in Weston, and created a post-andbeam design that hearkens back to simpler times while simultaneously feeling exquisitely modern. A dining room rich in reclaimed chestnut and oak features a fireplace of native stone (one of six in the home) that begs diners to relish leisurely meals in front of its crackling warmth. Covered porches invite songbird and butterfly watching. The pool and tennis court rival a resort, so why go to one? A vegetable garden takes residents a step closer to self- sufficiency. Pair it with a wine cellar and several major food groups are covered. A gym awaits should the weather not be agreeable for a trail walk to the gentle Aspetuck River. A separate 10,000-square-foot office means commuting is a thing of the past. »

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

TheGoodLife ||| OUT & ABOUT

above: With walking trails and large open fields, a dog park and historic mansion, there’s always something new to see in New Canaan’s Waveny Park.

Playgrounds For All Ages

Effortless ways to keep you happy and entertained all summer long

eeping our minds, bodies and souls healthy is what it’s all about these days. During the past year we’ve connected with nature and found some of the best local services to keep us safe and happy. Now, we definitely need some new places to visit. From sailing lessons to curbside pickup at our

favorite markets, it’s all right here in our fab little towns. There’s always something new to do, which is why it’s so easy to live, work and play in Fairfield County. We’re happy to share some of our favorite local outings so that we can continue to stay happy, healthy and connected.

stamfordmag.com

MELANI LUST

by liz barron

37-38 TAKE A HIKE

THE NEW CANAAN LAND TRUST

newcanaanlandtrust.org

MIANUS RIVER PARK

friendsofmianusriverpark.org Chances are your step counts rise with the warmer weather. But you may be tired of the same routes and scenery from all those quarantine strolls. So you’ll definitely want to explore some new territory. Two of our favorite spots are just a short car ride away. The New Canaan Land Trust spans 392 acres and has over six miles of trails to hike. For a walk in the woods, Waveny and Irwin parks, also in New Canaan, have shady and sunny paths to explore and lots of open grassy areas for a family picnic. Mianus River Park is also a picturesque nature reserve situated on the Greenwich/Stamford border with expansive trails. And the best part is that these locations welcome leashed pups.

39-42 PETS PLEASE

WINSLOW GRASS ISLAND ROWAYTON DOG PARK SPENCER’S RUN Speaking of furry friends, there are lots of safe places for your dog to get exercise and socialize with their counterparts in the fourlegged community. Winslow dog park on Compo Road in Westport boasts the town’s largest off-leash area, and Grass Island dog park in Greenwich has two separate fenced-in areas for small and larger dogs, running water and bowls and even a baby pool for a rinse after playtime. The Rowayton dog park, on Highland Avenue will re-open on June 5. Spencer’s Run in New Canaan, located inside Waveny Park, is large and fencedin (one-and-a-half acres) but is only accessible to residents who have registered their dogs with the town and have a code to enter.

43-47

Longshore Sailing School in Westport offers lessons for all ages.

SMOOTH SAILING

SOUND SAILING CENTER

soundsailingcenter.com

YMCA

darien-ymca.org

SOUND WATERS

soundwaters.org

LONGSHORE SAILING SCHOOL

longshoresailingschool.com

GREENWICH COMMUNITY SAILING

greenwichsailing.com

Living along the Gold Coast means you better love living life on the water. Make sure to check into the Sound Sailing Center at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk for stellar sailing lessons for children and adults, as well as summer camps. The YMCA in Darien also has a youth sailing program, and Sound Waters in Stamford has kayaks and paddle boards available for rent. It also offer private and public schooner sails all summer long, where passengers can relax and enjoy the beauty of the sun setting on Long Island Sound. Longshore Sailing School in Westport is open to the public and offers season passes for kayaks and paddle boards. Greenwich Community Sailing has residents-only junior and adult learn-to-sail programs, offers rentals and hosts private events. » MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

48-52 HIT THE COURTS

THE NEW CANAAN RACQUET CLUB ncrctennis.com THE GREENWICH RACQUET CLUB greenwichracquetclub.com ROWAYTON TENNIS ASSOCIATION rowaytontennis.org KINGS HIGHWAY TENNIS CLUB kingshwytennis.com THE WESTPORT TENNIS CLUB westporttennisclub.com

Playing tennis is one of the lowest-risk Covid sporting activities. The New Canaan Racquet Club provides programs ranging from beginners to competitive pros and even offers a free thirty-minute lesson for those still on the fence. Darien and New Canaan also offer lessons through their town recreation departments, and Rowayton Tennis Association and Kings Highway Tennis Club have members-only and summer-camp programs available. The Greenwich Racquet Club and The Westport Tennis Club both offer clinics, parties and yearround programs for those who love to swing.

Local photographer Melani Lust hits the court.

58-61 NATURE’S BEST stamfordmuseum.org

THE CONNECTICUT AUDUBON SOCIETY

ctaudubon.org

DARIEN NATURE CENTER

dariennaturecenter.org

NEW CANAAN

newcanaannature.org

“The Griff” offers lessons and camps.

53-57 TEE TIME

The Stamford Museum and Nature Center is home to Heckscher Farm, where animal lovers are welcome to drop by and say hello all year long. The property also contains over eighty acres of nature trails as well as the Stamford Museum Galleries, which showcases various rotating exhibits. Darien and New Canaan also have nature centers with extensive outdoor spaces to explore, and in Darien, a collection of live animals can be seen as well. All three nature centers have playgrounds where kids can run, climb and get the ants out of their pants. The Connecticut Audubon Society in Fairfield runs year-round programs for children to learn about animals and explore the outdoors. It also offers guided nature walks.

NORWALK COVE MARINA MINI GOLF norwalkcove.com/mini-golf STERLING FARMS sterlingfarmsgc.com STAMFORD AND OAK HILLS oakhillsgc.com FAIRCHILD WHEELER fairchildwheelergolf.com GRIFFITH E. HARRIS thegriffgolf.org Norwalk Cove Marina Mini Golf has an 18-hole course that challenges players like the pros. To make it even more appealing, visitors can hone their skills while enjoying the scenic water views. For those looking to up their game, Sterling Farms is a public golf course in Stamford and Oak Hills is another in Norwalk. Griffith E. Harris in Greenwich is an 18-hole par 71 public golf course, and Fairchild Wheeler (aka “The Wheel”) opens to the public on May 15. All courses offer lessons for adults and children, with golf camps running throughout the summer. stamfordmag.com

Stamford Nature Center

JACEK DOLATA; PHOTO COURTESY OF METROPOLITAN GOLF ASSOCIATION; STAMFORD MUSEUM AND NATURE CENTER BY ALI GRAY

THE STAMFORD MUSEUM AND NATURE CENTER

TheGoodLife ||| OUT & ABOUT

66-71

CURBSIDE CONVENIENCE

WALTER STEWART’S

stewartsmarket.com

BALDUCCI’S

instacart.com/balduccis.com

PALMER’S MARKET

palmersdarien.com

KINDRED SPIRITS & WINE

kindredspiritsandwine.com

SIPSTIRS

sipstirs.com

GRAPEVINE

thegrapevinect.com If there’s one thing we hope never goes away, it’s curbside service from some of our local grocery stores. Luckily for us, both Walter Stewart’s in New Canaan and in Darien offer online ordering with options for both delivery and curbside pickup. Balducci’s in Greenwich offers delivery through Instacart. Hungry and thirsty? The Grapevine in Westport, Kindred Spirits & Wine in Fairfield and Sipstirs in Darien all have an amazing assortment, and they deliver now, too. »

GARVIN BURKE; VENERA ALEXANDROVA

Sipstirs in Darien

62-65 GET YOUR GREENS

FAIRFIELD fairfieldfarmersmarket.org WESTPORT westportfarmersmarket.com NEW CANAAN newcanaanfarmersmarket.com GREENWICH greenwichfarmersmarketct.com

Supporting our local farmers is where it’s at. The Westport Farmers Market opens May 13, and runs through November 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday, with a stellar selection of goods. The Fairfield Farmers Market, conveniently located on the Post Road, is open every Sunday from June through October and hosts nearly twenty local farms and food producers. New Canaan has a farmers market, too, with numerous fresh vendors and is open every Saturday, also beginning in June, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old Center School Lot. Greenwich Farmers Market is held at the Commuter Parking Lot off of Arch Street and Horseneck Lane is open on Saturdays.

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

TheGoodLife ||| OUT & ABOUT

UNDER THE SEA THE MARITIME AQUARIUM maritimeaquarium.org The Maritime Aquarium maritimeaquarium.org in Norwalk has seventy-five live exhibits and features 300 species of over 2,700 marine animals. From touch tanks to seal shows, this aquamarine adventure has something to offer for everyone. The recently added 4D theater gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy a next level movie experience with effects like bubbles, wind, mists, smells and more. The aquarium also offers year-round public and private charters on its research vessel, ranging from seal-spotting and birding to Norwalk Island cruises.

above: From a brand-new 4D theater to touch tanks and a massive shark environment, a day at the Maritime Aquarium is a must for children and adults alike.

GET CREATIVE

BEST TIME EVER

thebesttimeever.com

HANDS ON POTTERY

hopct.com

ROWAYTON ARTS CENTER

rowaytonarts.org

An art studio in Stamford allows children of all ages to be creative with its array of take-home art kits (think slime making or ceramics painting), drop-in sessions, small group summer camp sessions and birthday parties. In addition to the art studio, it also has an indoor playscape that gives kids a place to run, jump and explore in a safe environment. Hands on Pottery in Darien is another great option for indoor fun, and they offer “pottery to go” for those who would rather paint at home. For adults looking for a more sophisticated art kit, the Rowayton Arts Center now has take-home kits for painting and drawing ranging from $20-$35. Sweet.

76-77 HAY NOW

SALKO FARM

salkofarmandstable.com

MEAD FARM

meadfarm.com

Horseback riding has been known to reduce stress and increase creativity, so who wouldn’t want that? Mead Farm is one of the oldest horseback riding facilities in Stamford and has been operating since 1928. It offers year-round riding private and group lessons for both children and adults and caters to first-time riders and experts. Salko Farm in Southport also offers lessons, a summer riding clinic and even hosts birthday parties.

KEEP IT COOL

LAKE MOHEGAN Most towns along the coast have public beaches that residents can frequent with town-issued passes and non-residents can visit with day passes (but those take some planning). Lake Mohegan in Fairfield is a family-friendly place to swim or hang out on a sandy shore. The 170-acre park has hiking trails, a manmade fresh-water lake, sprinkler park, playground and snack bar. Since it’s open to the public, a last-minute trip is super easy. Entrance fees ranging from four to eighteen dollars, depending on age, residency and day of the week, are paid at the gate. »

stamfordmag.com

MARITIME AQUARIUM; LAKE MOHEGAN BY AMBER SCINTO

73-75

Lake Mohegan in Fairfield

TheGoodLife ||| FASHION

St yle Points

Shopping local is more important now than ev er before. Lucky for us all the best to choose fr , we have om, right here in our ow n backyard by me ga n gagn on

79-82 MODERN UNIFORM

SHOP SMARTER, NOT HARDER

f you could only stock your closet with pieces from these stores, you’d be more than set. An endless stream of possibilities would be at your disposal; the ability to craft ensembles with their minimal neutrals, tailored separates and fine knits. And if you’re only associating these lines with workwear, you’re missing out on the versatility that the clothes offer, inside or outside an office setting.

THEORY Good linen casual blazer; $495. Silk wideleg pull-on pant; $365

FIND THEM HERE Theory, Greenwich & Westport Vince, Greenwich & Westport Joie, Greenwich Club Monaco, Greenwich

JULY 2019 GREENWICH

TheGoodLife ||| FASHION

Shop To It Navigate our stylish spots by addressing all of your wardrobe needs

83-8 6

ULTRA LOUNGE

SAY GOODBYE TO SAD SWEATPANTS

87-92

EXPERT EDIT

SMALL BOUTIQUES WITH BIG STYLE

You know them (or you should) by now: those boutiques that line our main streets, filling the smaller spaces between larger, name-brand stores. What they (sometimes) lack in real estate, they make up for in selection, a curated mix of labels and musthave accessories. Knowledgeable owners can make suggestions, point out new styles and provide the oneon-one customer service that’ll keep you coming back.

FIND THEM HERE

Marine Layer, Westport Splendid, Westport Warm, Darien Whim, Darien & Stamford Splendid Speckled lounge hoodie and pants; $138 each

Perfect Provenance, Greenwich Chou Chou, Rowayton Togs, New Canaan Fred, Old Greenwich & Westport Apricot Lane, Fairfield Great Stuff, Greenwich & Westport

93-98

GOOD JEANS

THE PERFECT PAIR IS A DRESSING ROOM AWAY

above: Come for the Frame jeans. Try not to want everything else.

Just when you think you’ve found your dream denim, a new style or brand always seems to appear, convincing you that yes, you do need at least one more pair of jeans. Now a staple in every fashionable woman’s wardrobe, the options for style, size, length, rise and rinse are limitless. But finding the ones that are right for you? That’s where it gets tricky. Head to these spots to try something on, try something new (cropped flares are fun for summer) and add a few more to your jean collection. stamfordmag.com

FIND THEM HERE Rag & Bone, Greenwich Frame, Greenwich Madewell, Greenwich & Westport 7 For All Mankind, Westport B Chic, Wilton Havana Jeans, Stamford

PERFECT PROVENANCE BY JULIE BIDWELL; ALL OTHER IMAGES COURTESY OF STORES

First there was athleisure, that hybrid category embraced by everyone hoping to make their days at work and on-thego just a little more comfortable. Then came stay-at-home orders and the birth of a whole new category of elevated loungewear, offering stylish alternatives to your coziest sets. Think separates that work in and out of the house and can be dressed up as needed. Add some statement sneakers if you’re venturing out and you’ve got one chic look.

above: Greenwich’s Perfect Provenance is housed in a 1912 Victorian home

99-103

THE CLASSICS

FUTURE-PROOF FASHION IS WORTH THE INVESTMENT

Timeless clothes will always be in style, despite what the latest trend forecast predicts (although mixing in modern pieces is always encouraged). These are the places we know will always have the perfect blazer, the classic coat, the crisp button-down shirt. And when it comes to iconic stripes or sweet gingham prints, you can never have enough.

left: Veronica Beard Greenwich is furnished with Schumacherupholstered pieces

J. CREW Shirt dress; $128

FIND THEM HERE Vineyard Vines, Greenwich, New Canaan & Westport J. Crew, Greenwich, New Canaan, Stamford & Westport, Ralph Lauren, New Canaan J. McLaughlin, Darien, Greenwich & New Canaan Talbots, Westport

above: 4.83 ct. fancy yellow cushion-cut ring

104-107

LUXE LABELS FROM THE RUNWAY TO YOUR CLOSET We should count ourselves lucky that so many fabulous designers have set up shop in our towns. You may spot their pieces elsewhere but having access to an entire seasonal line from your favorite brand is a whole other experience. Even better, getting to spend time in the gorgeous spaces thoughtfully designed to complement their collections.

TORY BURCH Lee Radziwill small double bag; $998

FIND THEM HERE Veronica Beard, Greenwich Tory Burch, Greenwich Jenni Kayne, Greenwich Alice & Olivia, Greenwich

113-117

TRAVEL READY

JUST ADD WATER

ROLLER RABBIT BY ANTHONY BATISTA; ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF STORES/BRANDS

above: The grand staircase at Richards in Greenwich

108-112

AT YOUR SERVICE

WHO DOESN’T LOVE A LITTLE HELP?

Everyone deserves a vacation this year. But even if you’re only planning on going as far as your own backyard or town beach, there’s no reason why you can’t stock up on new resortwear pieces. Build a summer capsule around block-printed caftans, breezy wrap dresses and some tassel-trimmed coverups to pair with a fresh rotation of swimsuits.

Sometimes you need to enlist the expertise of a personal shopper to find the perfect outfit for a special occasion. Sometimes you’re in a browsing mood, open to possibility and looking for inspiration. Sometimes shoes are on sale. Whatever the reason, a visit to a department or specialty store delivers all of these experiences (and more) under one roof.

FIND THEM HERE

Everything But Water, Greenwich Roller Rabbit, Greenwich Eres, Greenwich Soleil Toile, New Canaan & Westport Morley, Darien

Mitchells, Westport Richards, Greenwich Barneys at Saks, Greenwich Saks Fifth Avenue, Greenwich Darien Sport Shop, Darien

Roller Rabbit Rhody ruffle bralette; $64. Hipster; $50

TheGoodLife ||| JEWELRY

118 EVERYDAY ELEGANCE

HENRY C. REID & SON JEWELERS hcreidjewelers.com

ILA Deja Necklace; $6,185

Town Jewels

Our local experts fill us in on new styles, old favorites and the best parts about selling sparkle by megan gagnon

Q: What new necklace styles are customers requesting? A: “I am finding lately that women want to wear something beautiful but different; somewhat more understated and wearable on a daily basis. We create many pieces in house using recycled gold as well as partnering with different vendors that share our sustainable mindset. For us, the key is offering jewelry that our clients connect with in a traditional sense, but it has to be a little different than what anyone else has.” —Greg French, President, Henry C. Reid & Son Jewelers

BUDS BETTERIDGE 120 BEST

Q: What’s a unique gift idea that you love to recommend? A: “I point people toward these pieces by Buccellati; they’re fine, signed, wearable and affordable. The necklace is a sterling silver, vermeil, and fancy color diamond forty-two-inch chain, easy to wear single or double, just dressy enough but playful and feminine. The earrings can be worn alone or with other silver or gold jewelry. I really think they’re good for any age; both my wife and daughter have the earrings and love them.” —Warren Lagerloef, Senior Sales Executive, Betteridge

Platinum emerald and diamond ring; $23,000

119

Buccellati Daisy necklace; $2,700. Gardenia earrings; $240

GO GREEN

FAYE KIM DESIGNS

betteridge.com

fayekimdesigns.com

Q: Which gemstones are you loving lately? A: “I find the lush green color of emeralds very soothing and calming. The striking green colored gemstone has throughout history symbolized love, abundance, hope, renewal and growth. What better time than now to indulge in nature’s beauty and positivity?” —Faye Kim, Owner/Designer, Faye Kim Designs stamfordmag.com

121 LOBE STORY

NAGI JEWELERS nagijewelers.com

122 PIECE OF HISTORY

SIMON TEAKLE FINE JEWELRY & OBJECTS

Diamond engagement ring in platinum and yellow gold; $8,450

123

simonteakle.com

Q: What’s your current favorite estate piece? Sea of Beauty floating pearl open marquise earrings by Mizuki; $650

A: “Using old European cut diamonds, this beautiful necklace is important yet retains an elegant, soft appearance. Exquisitely made, it has perfect movement when worn.” —Simon Teakle, Owner, Simon Teakle Fine Jewelry & Objects

Q: What are some modern earrings trends you’re seeing? A: “Earrings are in! With masks on faces, earrings seem to be the one item we want to make sure we have on. The earring trends for 2021 seem to be large hoops, and long earrings. Single earrings are very fashionable, and mismatched, imperfectly round pearls are very trendy. Pearls, in general, are back.” —Liz Osta, Owner, Nagi Jewelers

Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori 33mm in yellow gold; $28,200

Antique diamond cluster necklace, circa 1880; $148,000

124

RETRO RINGS

LUX BOND & GREEN lbgreen.com

Q: What are some new engagement ring styles you’ve been selling? A: “We’re going back in time to a more traditional diamond engagement ring with tapered baguettes. Yellow gold is also making a strong comeback.” —John Green, President & CEO, Lux Bond & Green

18K yellow gold origami emerald hoop earrings by Katherine Jetter; price upon request

WATCH OUT

MANFREDI JEWELS manfredijewels.com

18K yellow gold Tahitian pearl chain earrings by Katherine Jetter; $7,480

IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

Q: What are some women’s watch trends we can expect to see this year? A: “One of the trends in 2021 in women’s watches is the return of the yellow gold bracelet watches. It can be with or without diamonds but yellow gold is back. Another trend is to wear very feminine watches. Often ladies’ pieces are men’s watches that are just made smaller, but there are some really beautiful pieces from brands like Chopard, Bulgari and Hermès. These brands create watches that are specifically designed for women. Bulgari with the Serpenti Seduttori, the Imperiale from Chopard and the ever classic Hermès Cape Cod are watches that are the definition of femininity.” —Roberto Chiappelloni, Owner, Manfredi Jewels

IT PERSONAL 125 MAKE MITCHELLS

mitchellstores.com

Q: What’s the best part about having jewelry trunk shows in-store? A: “Our vendor partners are part of our Mitchell family, and we love having them come into our stores. Jewelry trunk shows give our associates and clients the opportunity to view the breath of their collections and engage directly with the designer so they can select the perfect piece.” —Jennifer Farrington, Jewelry Buyer, Mitchells

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

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advertisers index BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT California Closets................................. 11 BUSINESS & FINANCE Cummings & LockwoodStamford.........................................43 Davidson, Dawson, & Clark, LLP........ 12 EDUCATION Soundwaters.......................................59

Marcia Selden Catering...................... 23

The Carver Center..............................49

Table 104 Osteria Bar...........................13

Malta House........................................39

Taco Daddy............................................ 2

Reach Prep..........................................39

The Lila Rose......................................... 3 Winvian.............................................. 4, 5 Waters Edge at Giovanni's ................. 25 HEALTH & BEAUTY Hartford HealthCare...................Cover 3

Breast Cancer Alliance.......................43 Elephant Sanctuary............................43 New Covenant House......................... 51 Children's Learning Center................. 51 Person-to-Person................................ 87

Hospital for Special Surgery.............. 37 EVENTS A-List Awards...................................... 47 Domestic Violence Crisis Center Luncheon.............................................49 Stamford Tent & Event Services........29

LCB Senior Living, LLC....................... 27

LANDSCAPING & NURSERIES

ONS Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery.....15

Homefront Farmers LLC..................... 21

Stamford Health.................................... 7

FASHION The RealReal.......................................... 9

JEWELRY Betteridge Jewelers...................Cover 2, 1 Lux Bond & Green...................... Cover 4

FOOD, CATERING & LODGING Mackenzie's Bar & Grill....................... 10

NONPROFIT Building One Community................... 31

MAY/JUNE 2021 STAMFORD

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postscript

MAY/JUNE 2021 / DONNA MOFFLY

“He stood outside their door and made a momentous decision. Rather than wake everyone up, he’d just undress in the hall.”

o now it’s June, the month that launches 1,000 reunions. Except last year. And this year, too, unless they’re somehow staged on Zoom. But that’s not the same as getting together with friends and making memories—the crazy, fun kind. Like my forty-fifth at Wellesley. I was staying in a single on the fourth floor of a dorm turned co-ed for the occasion and on my way to the loo in the middle of the night got locked out of my room in my nightgown. But, thank God, with my glasses. All doors were shut; no help at hand. So I rode the elevator down to the first floor, rummaged around the unmanned bell desk and came up with a bunch of keys— meanwhile checking out the living room for what I might sleep on and use for cover. But I got back to my room unobserved and—open sesame!—one of the keys worked. Dorms were never my favorite accommodations. Jack and I took the kids to Princeton to march in many reunion P-rades, usually staying with friends just off campus. But once we ended up on the top floor of Little Hall. The room was filthy, the bathrooms in the basement, and we got no sleep because aluminum beer kegs were being rolled down those three flights of iron stairs in some sort of bizarre undergrad contest. Never again, said I. Meanwhile, the wife of a classmate of Jack’s from Greenwich had insisted on staying at a hotel. Smart lady. On Saturday night she and their three young daughters retired well ahead of her husband who partied on… and on. Finally back at the hotel, he stood in the corridor outside their door and made a momentous decision. Rather than wake everyone up, he’d just undress in the hall. But for all his consideration, his wife heard the commotion, opened the door and quickly

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pulled the near-naked “damned fool” inside. One Princeton reunion was enough for our Darien friend Peter Ward. His first. And he was only there long enough to pick up his P-rade uniform—a T-shirt reading “Fabulous First” on the front and “1947” on the back. After a few pops, Peter and classmate Joe Gordon decided it would be much more fun to drive up to La Rue, a respectable New York nightclub for the college set. (He’d find out years later that the father of a girl he often took there would have La Rue send him a copy of their bills to see how much she was drinking.) Just as Peter and Joe arrived, so did somebody driving a “flying car”—an airplane with its wings folded back converted to a car. The doorman left his gold-roped post and everyone in the restaurant rushed out to gawk, allowing the boys to slip inside in their P-rade attire. Eventually, of course, they were thrown out. It was Peter’s first and last reunion. Once Jack and I bought a large rockinghorse tiger in the Princeton Museum shop and had the awkward and somewhat embarrassing job of carrying him across campus to the car. On the way, a young woman full of beer gave our tiger a big kiss that left a bright red lipstick mark on his muzzle forever. Anyway, “Plimpton” is now safely stabled under the piano for our grandchildren to ride. Then there was the year I went back to Cleveland for my Hathaway Brown fortieth and fell to chatting with a fellow I’d dated in high school. We exchanged tales of children (his three, my two), businesses (his cars, my magazines), et al. Until he finally observed: “Gee, Donna, you turned out a lot better than I thought you would!” Hmmm. Well, as long as old friends get together, there will be stories.

VENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY, GREENWICH, CT

OF REUNION RECOLLECTIONS

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Stamford - May/June 2021

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