56 minute read
STATUS REPORT
buzz STATUS REPORT
Candice Savin, Jennifer Tooker and Andrea Moore
TAKING CHARGE
GETTING TO KNOW OUR THREE SELECTWOMEN
The vote was close—4,237 for Republicans Tooker and Moore to 4,168 for Democrats Steinberg and Savin—but those 69 votes made history. Add in first names and it becomes more obvious why. Jennifer Tooker and Andrea Moore won the seats of First and Second Selectwoman in last November’s election, and they appointed Candice Savin as Third Selectwoman, creating Westport’s first-ever all-female Board of Selectwomen. We sat down with these three impressive leaders to get the scoop on their backgrounds, goals for our town and what this moment means to them.
by jill johnson mann • photography by andrea carson
Jennifer Tooker / first selectwoman
GOALS FOR 2022:
“Establishing the Traffic Advisory and Neighborhood Safety Commission; completing the Longshore Park Capital Improvement Plan; advancing the downtown plan with focus on changes to Parker Harding Plaza and Jesup Green; and, critically, guiding the community and our local businesses out of the pandemic continues to be a top priority.”
BIGGEST CHALLENGE:
“Addressing the effects the pandemic has had on the social and emotional well-being of the community is a challenge that we collectively face, as no age group has been exempt. We are so fortunate to have the Westport Together coalition, including experts from the Town, the schools and PTA, and the nonprofit network, already in place to lead this crucial effort. We will continue to leverage and expand the reach of Westport Together so we can provide the resources residents need. [Locals can] follow on Facebook and Instagram for more details.”
WESTPORT FAVES
Beautiful Spot: “Compo Beach.”
Leisure: “Paddle Boarding.”
Culture: “I’m a season ticket holder at the Westport Country Playhouse.”
Hidden Gem: “In Grace K. Salmon Park there is a point with a bench where you have a stunning view of the Saugatuck River. It’s a beautiful spot—and Salmon is my maiden name, but no relation.”
People Watching: “I always enjoy going to Compo Beach and seeing and catching up with friends and neighbors.”
Tell us about your background and how you landed in Westport.
“I was raised in Dallas and majored in economics and international studies at the University of Notre Dame. I then spent the next twenty-two years at the global reinsurance company Gen Re. After twelve years in London, my husband and I were relocated to Gen Re’s global HQ in Stamford. While on our search for homes and communities close to Stamford, we saw Compo Beach and knew immediately that Westport was where we wanted to live. Compo brought me here. The people have kept me here.”
How did your career prepare you for the role as First Selectwoman?
“It helped me develop some of the most important skills for this role, including deep management experience and a commitment to building consensus and solving complex problems.”
What inspired your civic engagement in Westport?
“Shortly after moving here, I was appointed to the Conservation Commission. It gave me insight into the importance of local government and was the catalyst for me to pursue public service on a full-time basis. I knew that serving in local government was the way I wanted to contribute to my community. Following the Conservation Commission, I served in several elected positions, including the Board of Ed, Board of Finance and Second Selectwoman.”
What did you learn about Westport while campaigning?
“I absolutely love the job of governing and serving our constituents. Whether meeting with local business owners and clergy, parents and students, or nonprofit leaders and volunteers, listening to members of our community and working with them and our amazing town employees is really what this job is all about. I continue to be impressed by our residents—they are talented, savvy and dedicated to Westport.”
It’s a historic moment, with three selectwomen in office. Do you think women govern differently?
“This team has a diverse set of skills and experiences, and together I believe we will deliver great results. I think all leaders bring their unique perspective and life experience to the job. For me, that includes being a mother, a care-giver daughter, a wife, a loyal friend and a retired financial-services executive. We ran on our leadership style and our management expertise, and I am very proud to lead the first all-female Westport Board of Selectwomen.”
Tell us a little about your family.
“I have a wonderful husband, Mo, and three terrific children, Jack, Riley and Nicole. It would be impossible to do this job without their unconditional support. I am also blessed to have my parents here in Westport, as they have recently moved to town. I’m very lucky!”
Something about you that would surprise people:
“I am an avid morning runner, with weekly mileage in the twenty-five- to thirtymile range. It serves as my ‘personal time,’ and I don’t know what I’d do without it!”
Andrea Moore / second selectwoman
GOALS FOR 2022:
“We are committed to keeping Westport a terrific place to live, work and play. Our goals include completing the Longshore master plan, launching an overall parks plan, moving forward on upgrades to downtown and creating a Traffic and Safety Advisory Commission. During the election, I had specifically discussed working on a plan for better communication from Town Hall, including engagement with new residents.”
BIGGEST CHALLENGE:
“Westport is a great town and a soughtafter community as can be seen from the influx of new residents and businesses. The pandemic has changed the way we live our lives. Westporters have made lifestyle changes that impact the way our town is being utilized. Residents are in town more often and our downtown, our recreational facilities and our roads are being used more than ever. We need to adapt to the changes, address issues that are within our control and make investments to support our residents’ changing needs.”
WESTPORT FAVES
Beautiful Spot: “Compo Beach.”
Leisure: “Walking anywhere near the water—the beach, Saugatuck or downtown. Time on the beach or boating.”
Culture: “Remarkable Theater and Chamber Concerts at the Imperial Lot, Candlelight and Pops Concerts, Westport Country Playhouse.”
Hidden Gem: “I love walking my dogs to town on the pathway behind the Levitt. The view up the river never fails.”
People Watching: “Anywhere and everywhere! Our town is full of so many interesting people.”
You grew up in Westport. Were you born here and when did you settle
down here? “My parents moved out of New York City right before I was born, so I am a born-and-bred Westporter. I worked in the city after college but would find myself back in Westport with my city friends on weekends, especially in the summer. My parents got sick in my late twenties and that accelerated my move here.”
What inspires your civic engagement in the town?
“I first got involved on the board of A Child’s Place Preschool fifteen years ago and since then have been on numerous boards in town, mostly related to children and education. I ran for the RTM six years ago when two friends (also Staples grads) suggested there was a need for more people with an understanding of the Westport schools. I feel lucky to live in Westport and be raising my daughters here, so giving back and getting involved in town government was an easy decision. After RTM, I ran for the Board of Finance and have served there for the last four years. As a native, I truly feel like my long-term connections here coupled with my relationships with parents through the schools helps me understand the interests of a real cross-section of Westporters.”
What is your educational and professional background?
“I graduated from the University of Massachusetts School of Management with a degree in finance. I started my career at Salomon Brothers and worked for fifteen years at several firms in banking, equity research and institutional sales. I left UBS in 2006 after Janna, my second child, was born. My finance and business background has helped me as an RTM and BOF member and now on the BOS with an understanding of budgets and financing.”
It’s a historic moment, with three selectwomen in office. What does this mean to you and our town?
“As the mom of three high-school daughters, the importance is not lost on me. What our children see us do is more important that what we tell them, so to see three women at the helm—plus a woman as chair of the BOE (Lee Goldstein), BOF (Sheri Gordon), and P and Z (Danielle Dobin)—certainly sets a great example for our children. We have a strong Board of Selectwomen with varied backgrounds. The town is in good hands!”
Tell us a little about your family.
“My husband, Dave (who also grew up in Westport), and I have three daughters: Tessa is a senior, Janna is a junior and Ella is a freshman. They all attend Staples. We also have two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Hazel and Wally, and two cats, Trixie and Jax.”
Something about you that would surprise people:
“I found out my father was Jewish after he passed away in 1996.”
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Candice Savin / third selectwoman
GOALS FOR 2022:
“First and foremost is seeing our community safely through the challenges of Covid, and I am dearly hoping 2022 is the last year when this challenge is at the top of the agenda. On a more optimistic note, I am looking forward to seeing positive changes in our downtown that embrace the Saugatuck River and continued investment in our school buildings.”
BIGGEST CHALLENGE:
“Our biggest long-term challenge is climate- change resiliency. Dealing with increased flooding and storm damage will require both public and private investment. The town government can take the lead by revising codes and regulations, educating citizens and businesses on best practices, and making strategic investments to harden our assets.”
WESTPORT FAVES
Beautiful Spot: “Sherwood Mill Pond.”
Leisure: “Dinner at Compo Beach with friends.”
Culture: “Booked for the Evening at the Westport Library.”
Hidden Gem: “Burying Hill Beach.”
People Watching: “Granola Bar.”
Where are you from and how did you land in Westport?
What inspired your civic engagement in the town initially and what continues to inspire you?
“As soon as we moved to town in 2002, I jumped into community activism with both feet. I have served as co-chair of Westport Library’s Booked for the Evening fundraiser for over a decade, served on the boards of The Conservative Synagogue and Hadassah, and held various PTA roles. In 2016 I joined the BOE and served as its chair from 2019 to 2021, and that really took things up a notch. Through each of these experiences I became more invested in the welfare of our community. And I’ve met so many inspiring Westporters along the way who are also hard at work making a difference for this community.”
What is your educational and professional background and how have your career experiences helped you in your roles in our town?
“I am a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and Duke University School of Law. I began my career as a criminal prosecutor in the city and that is where my interest in public service really began. When my children were young, I was a full-time stay-at-home mom for six years. In 2005 I started my own law practice here in town and I have been a practicing real estate attorney ever since. My professional experiences with legal analysis, public speaking, entrepreneurship and understanding the drivers of our local real estate market have all prepared me well to be a part of the town’s leadership team.”
“For me, the best part about women leaders in Westport is the example it sets for our children. And this moment is not just about three selectwomen; we currently have women chairs of the Board of Education, the Board of Finance and the Planning and Zoning Board. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the town’s leadership.”
Tell us a little about your family.
Something about you that would surprise people?
175 POST ROAD WEST, WESTPORT, CT 06880 203.454.0032 KARENBERKEMEYERHOME.COM
top row: Sweet P Bakery’s blueberry muffins are served daily at The Porch at Christies • Andrea and Bill Pecoriello’s volunteer work helped them identify a need for meaningful work for disabled adults. • Promoting the positive bottom row: Graduates of the baking course • Pop tarts at The Porch • Décor sets the vibe
SO GOOD!
SWEET P BAKERY CREATES SWEET OPPORTUNITIES by elizabeth keyser
When you buy a blueberry muffin, a strawberry pop tart or colossal cookie at The Porch at Christie’s (theporchatchristies.com), you’re doing more than eating a delicious, sweet treat, you’re helping make people’s lives better. The pastries are baked by the first five graduates of Sweet P’s baking program for disabled adults. Sweet P is the nonprofit arm of The Porch at Christie’s, the restaurant that opened at 161 Cross Highway in May 2021.
Andrea and Bill Pecoriello, Westporters of long standing, got the idea when they noticed how few services there are to teach employable skills to developmentally challenged adults. They and their two professional pastry chefs, Terri Cahn and Mary O’Brien, developed a two-part, ten-week, hands-on course on baking foundations and producing Sweet P’s signature baked goods.
The positive benefits flow both ways. For the newly minted bakers, a sense of confidence, independence and pride. “One young man works for us just three hours a week. His dad said, just those three hours made his confidence soar,” says Andrea. For the community, local families, and Bedford Middle School students who flock to The Porch in the afternoons, interactions with servers with disabilities, show that “differences don’t matter,” as well as examples of shining positive attitudes.
There has been so much interest in the classes that “the waiting list could fill the program four times over,” she says. Having developed a replicable model and production system based on a color-coded kitchen, adaptable to individual skills, the Pecoriellos are looking at expanding the program. Check the website (sweetpbakery.org) for the latest updates and events.
Home Base Friends team up to open THE POST by eleanor vail
The Post, a local design store, is built upon decades of friendship. Co-owner Deb Placey brings a city vibe, calling on her years of traveling from Westport to New York, with the modern home décor. Co-owners Laura Wilson and Laurie Baur contribute a country-and-coast combo via Missouri. The story begins in St. Louis, where Placey and Wilson became childhood friends. Then in college, Placey met Baur through her dorm placement. Placey kept in contact with these friends throughout her twenty-seven-year-long career as a sportscaster, a year as a stay-at-home mom and two years as the co-president of the charity Pink Aid. After helping to renovate the Fairfield County Hunt Club and helping friends and family with design work, she decided to commit to the work full time.
Meanwhile, Wilson was in St. Louis running her own design store, still thriving after ten years. During one visit, Placey and Wilson hatched the plan to bring the store to Westport but with a new angle. “We were like, we want to do this, let’s do this together. Done. Doing it,” says Placey.
Placey handles customers; Wilson manages retail, inventory and pricing; and Baur contributes interior design experience. “All three of us bring different things,” says Placey. “It’s really been a good working relationship.” Baur and Wilson fly in and Placey runs the Westport location and makes the everyday decisions. They have daily check-ins and agree 99 percent of the time. When they don’t agree, negotiation comes easily. “We’ve been friends for forty years. Everyone’s like, ‘Yeah, good luck, wink, wink,’ thinking being in business with someone will be hard, but it’s just been fabulous,” Placey says.
The proof is in The Post’s ability to attract customers and let them “meander at their leisure,” says Placey. “If they want to just browse, we’re happy to just let them breathe— let their cares go away for a half an hour.” The store soothes the edges with comfy blankets, lighting, mirrors, candles, wall art and more. It’s the kind of place that has something for everybody and it feels like home.
top, left: The Post provides design services, including for custom work, and inspirational vignettes all others: The selection changes seasonally but always brings a fresh, upscale look to the individual pieces and how they work together. above: Two of the owners, Laura and Deb
shop
produced by janel alexander
TRENDS
Spring is about bold post-pandemic trends—size, color and texture you will want to start dreaming about now.
NILI LOTAN TIBI
BIG
From double-breasted to belted and longer lengths—this is a trend we are ready to get behind in a “big” way
WARDROBE NYC
Double Breasted Blazer, $995, wardrobenyc.com
L'AGENCE
Jayda Jacket, $595, Westport, tinadragone.com
NILI LOTAN
Valerie Jacket Mustard (also in black), $1,250, Greenwich, saks.com
WEAR IT WITH
Your basic denim will get a refresh with all the new shapes surfacing. Dip your toe in with a straight shape, rigid denim or take this season’s balloon shape for a ride.
MADEWELL
Dorset Blazer $175, White Plains, The Westchester, madewell.com
MOTHER
Curbside Ankle Jean, $238, Greenwich, Westport, intermix.com
ANINE BING
Sonja jean, $229, aninebing.com
AGOLDE
Cherie Rigid High Rise Straight Leg Jean, $190, modaoperandi.com
ANTHROPOLGIE
ON
THETassels and strings are the latest evolution from last year’s crochet craze. Fringe crosses the personal style profile giving Western, BOHO and rock ‘ n ’ roll vibes.
NET-A-PORTER/ BOTTEGA VENETA CHLOE
NEKEIA
Brass and Leather Chandelier, $4,925, ngalatrading.com
ZIMMERMANN
Postcard Shell Fringe Skirt, $1,450, zimmermann.com
LAMARQUE
Leather Fringe Jacket, $495, Greenwich, saks.com
BOTTEGA VENETA
Fringe Pouch Bag, $1,495, Greenwich, therealreal.com
WEAR IT WITH
Lean into the trend and layer on swinging accessories.
A.EMERY
Tuli Sandals, $180, kirnazabette.com
JIMMY CHOO
Suede Mules with Crystal Chains, $3,125, jimmychoo.com PINKO
Tweed Fringed Edge Dress, $394, farfetch.com
JOHANNA ORTIZ
Fringe Cotton Blend Midi Dress, $1,450, modaoperandi.com
CHRISTOPHER KANE
Crystal Chain Tee, $395, Norwalk, White Plaines, bloomingales.com
ALTUZARRA CHLOE
SUNNY
Bright, third-rock-from-the-sun colors were rocking the spring runway. From Altuzarra tie-dye reds to Chloe tangerine and golden yellows, warm colors are perfect for a post-pandemic boost to keep us feeling vibrant and happy!
WEAR IT WITH
Pair sunny colors with their neighbors across the color wheel. They will ground the deep saturation by offering a cool contrast.
VINCE
Hand Crochet Grid Cardigan, $695, Greenwich/ Westport, vince.com SABLYN
Miranda Silk Midi Skirt, $450 Greenwich/ Westport, intermix.com
THEORY
Shaped Cardigan Navy, $395, Greenwich/ Westport, theory.com THE ELDER STATESMAN
Stripe Italian Smoking Jacket, $1,955, Westport, shop.mitchellstores .com
ULLA JOHNSON
Cut Out One Piece, $315, modaoperandi.com
ESTELLE
Coral Colored Stemware, $175, Greenwich, hoaglands.com
LAPIMA
Lisa Red Solid Sunglasses, $493, us.lapima.com
TIBI
Sporty Nylon Asymmetrical Balloon Skirt, $475, tibi.com
A.L.C.
Blakely Dress, $495, Rye, New York, angelasedit.com
MORAN MARTIN
Melinda Charm, $575, martinejewelry.com
ULLA JOHNSON
Plisse Satin Peplum Top, $395, Greenwich, Westport intermix.com
BOTTEGA VENETA
Leather Envelope Bag, $3,500, Greenwich Saks, saksfifthavenue.com
CHLOE
Leather Slide Sandal, $795, Norwalk, White Plains, nordstrom.com
do
above: Designer Christopher Maya designed the new space. right, top: Owners Elie and Danielle right, below: The light-filled salon
Head Turner
BOUTIQUE SALON brings a NYC STYLE to Southport by diane sembrot
Come March, it’s time to think about a change for spring or just a bit of luxury at the tail end of a bitter winter. So it was welcome news to hear that CAMORO SALON opened in Southport, right next to the Delamar. Husband-and-wife co-owners Danielle and Elie come to the business with big city experience, Danielle spent twelve years with Marie Robinson in New York City and Fekkai, where she met Elie (who worked with Frederic Fekkai for twenty years, including at Fashion Week).
Together, they bring this experience and a bit more of NYC to the new venture in Fairfield, their adopted home since 2018. “Our decorator, Christopher Maya, is the talent behind the gorgeous space,” says Danielle about the chic and welcoming salon, which is attracting a steady booking of clients from the city and Fairfield County. “It’s a place to feel relaxed and inspired to feel and look your best. It’s a place where people unwind and enjoy their time away from the daily grind and leave with amazing hair.”
A full salon, it offers cuts, color, treatments and more, and, says Danielle, “I would say the biggest feature is the talent of our staff. We all came from the city, so, naturally, we bring a completely new way of doing hair to Connecticut.” As for what local clients are asking for, she adds, “Everyone, at least in Connecticut, is asking for a more updated look, and I would say what almost all of our clients want is attention to detail specifically to them and a quality service.”
Opening a salon and attracting talent is a roll-up-your-sleeves challenge in the best of times. During a pandemic, it seems it would be even more work. Yet the owners see it differently. “We are so blessed to have created a business where people can go and speak with one another and give people joy throughout this crazy time. And no matter what is going on in the world, self-care still is, and always will be, a priority,” says Danielle. See more on Instagram @scamorosalon.com.
FAVORITE PRODUCTS FOR LATE WINTER/EARLY SPRING
SKIN
We carry Skin Nectar by Bio Alchemy Olfactive, a must for these winter months.
HAIR
The Christophe Robin color shield shampoo/conditioner combo is a favorite—as well as the David Mallet color mask.
do
by liz barron
Game On
KNOWING WHEN IT’S TIME TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR ACHES, PAINS AND INJURIES ISN’T ALWAYS AS STRAIGHTFORWARD AS WE WOULD LIKE. HERE’S HOW TO KNOW IT’S TIME TO SEE A DOCTOR.
Understanding what can be treated at home and what needs medical attention is key in keeping our bodies healthy and active. We checked in with Dr. Nicholas Sgrignoli, assistant attending physician in Primary Sports Medicine at Hospital for Special Surgery in Stamford to learn more about what to look for and how to know when it’s time to call someone like him. Primary sports medicine physicians are trained in primary care medicine with a specialty in nonoperative sports medicine. They help patients with injury diagnosis, rehab, pain management and with safely returning to sports and leisure activities while closely monitoring medical conditions.
Is pain, especially with age, normal? Overall, no, but there are different types of pain. Exercise-induced soreness is normal, but true pain that comes from an injury to a joint or tissue is not normal. In addition to injuries, pain is common among aging athletes and from degenerative joints and tendons, but it still isn’t normal and should be addressed.
How can someone decipher between occasional stiffness in muscles and joints and problematic pain? With age, we find that muscles and joints become stiffer and lose elasticity in tendons which can lead to higher injury rates. I usually tell people that normal stiffness lasts for no longer than 10-15 minutes and goes away once they have loosened up. Persistent stiffness, that lasts for more than an hour in the morning, is more of a concern because it can be correlated to an inflammatory issue. Swelling, redness or warmth of the joints are all also things to look out for that may be signs of a problem.
How does someone who is injured know when it’s time to see a doctor? Loss of strength, function or the inability to put weight on joints means you want to see a doctor right away. Any injury with symptoms and pain that is getting worse after a few days you would also want to have looked at. A muscle strain can take two to four weeks to heal, but after a few days, the pain should dissipate and your function should significantly improve. Overall, if the injury is limiting your activity or daily functions, it’s a good idea to have it checked out.
What are the signs that an injury may be a break? Is bruising/swelling indicative of the severity of the injury or not necessarily? Swelling and bruising are extremely common for breaks, with that said, there isn’t always a telling correlation. You could have a break with little bruising or a significant amount of swelling with no break. There are two types
HOW CAN WE PROACTIVELY AVOID INJURIES? No. 1
WARM UP
Try to loosen up joints and muscles and break a small sweat before getting into a highintensity phase. Spend at least 15 minutes trying to utilize the muscle groups that you’ll be using during the faster paced portion of your workout.
No. 2
TAKE TIME FOR RECOVERY
A lot of type-A athletes and highintensity recreational trainers don’t think about recovery. Taking at least one day off a week is beneficial for adults, and taking at least two days off a week is helpful for younger athletes. Ensuring that you are getting proper sleep, nutrition and hydration is also key.
No. 3
GO SLOW
Start new activities slowly and have recovery days in between to assess how your body is responding to new activity. Don’t go from doing nothing to trying to run three to four miles. If you haven't run consistently, start with a walk or jogging training program.
No. 4
DON’T PUSH THROUGH PAIN
Many athletes are familiar with pain and used to playing through it, but it will only make injuries worse.
No. 5
INCORPORATE VARIETY INTO EXERCISE
With a mix of cardio, strength and balance exercises, you will be less likely to encounter overuse injuries. Try alternating your workouts throughout the week.
–DR. NICHOLAS SGRIGNOLI
of fractures: acute, which is sudden and typically occurs from a fall or sudden episode and stress, which is from overuse and repetitive motions like running or jumping. Acute fractures happen quickly, as opposed to stress fractures which get worse over days to weeks. With any injury, if pain is worsening and there is swelling or loss of function or pain during an activity, it’s time to see a doctor.
What common injuries are you seeing lately? What activities are causing them? People have continued to be very active with racquet sports throughout Covid. Activities like paddle and pickleball can bring patients in with tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. We are also seeing a lot of plantar fasciitis from people that are working from home and spending most of the day walking around the house barefoot.
Does stretching before and after exercising really matter? There is actually no consistent research to show that stretching helps prevent injuries. With that said, a dynamic warm-up is definitely beneficial and important. You are much more likely to get hurt by jumping right into a sport with a cold, tight muscle. Any amount of stretching is most effective when your muscles are warm. So for a soccer player, doing lunges to activate muscles and work on lengthening as a warm up is better than just sitting down and doing a V-stretch. For those with tight muscles and asymmetric flexibility, stretching at the end of a sporting event would be best. One thing to note is that stretching should never be painful. You should feel the muscle, but it shouldn’t hurt. I also don’t recommend bouncing, rather a slow controlled movement to release muscle tension.
WELL READ
WITH WARMER WEATHER JUST AROUND THE CORNER, SPRING INTO SPRING WITH THESE 10 STANDOUT NOVELS FROM FICTION’S LEADING LADIES. YOU CAN THANK ME LATER!
by emily liebert
THE GOLDEN COUPLE
BY GREER HENDRICKS AND SARAH PEKKANEN
From the No. 1 New York Times bestselling authors of You Are Not Alone, An Anonymous Girl and The Wife Between Us comes this transfixing novel about eccentric and provocative therapist Avery Chambers, who says if she can’t resolve your issues in ten sessions, she won’t work with you. Maybe that’s why her controversial methods are so successful and almost preoccupying enough to fill the void she feels since her husband’s death. But when golden couple Marissa and Mathew Bishop seek Avery’s counsel after Marissa cheats on her husband, things do not go as planned, and nothing good can come of it.
THE NIGHT SHE DISAPPEARED
BY LISA JEWELL
In this electrifying story of psychological suspense from the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Then She Was Gone, one enchanting summer night in suburban England, a young couple vanishes after attending a party at the vast estate of a new college friend, leaving their baby behind with his grandmother, who’s desperate to find them. Fast-forward a year, when a writer moves into a cottage near the same estate (known as the Dark Place) and uncovers a cryptic note that reads, “DIG HERE.” This one will have you flipping the pages at warp speed.
THE LIZ TAYLOR RING
BY BRENDA JANOWITZ
It’s the late 1970s and Lizzie Morgan and Ritchie Schneider are madly in love, as they experience Long Island’s breathtaking beaches and luxurious yachts. But, like any relationship, theirs is not perfect, and they end up taking a nine-month break that concludes with the gift of a magnificent elevencarat ring—strikingly similar to the diamond Richard Burton bestowed on Liz Taylor following their own hiatus. The ring was a representation of the Schneiders’ enduring commitment…until it wasn’t. When it suddenly reappears decades later, the Schneiders’ three children are desperate to get their hands on it, but the path to determining the heirloom’s destiny is punctured with old grievances and plenty of anguish, especially when a secret is unearthed that makes them question everything.
SECRETS OF OUR HOUSE
BY REA FREY
Desi’s dream getaway home, nuzzled in the mountains of North Carolina, is sleek, lavish and alive with obscure secrets about the man she desires, whom she knew long ago before purging him from her life altogether. The man is definitely not her husband. When Desi arrives from Chicago with her family to the spend the summer there, even more secrets threaten to emerge and she’s forced to cope with a marriage in jeopardy, her seventeenyear-old daughter’s first love and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. As this rousing domestic drama unfolds, and the fear of a future in peril intensifies, Desi comes to realize that the bonds of family can withstand even the most powerful current.
SOMEBODY’S HOME
BY KAIRA ROUDA
On the heels of her last novel, The Next Wife, USA Today bestselling author Kaira Rouda delivers a stirring suspense novel about what should be a peaceful neighborhood, a charming home and an encouraging fresh start. But, when Julie Jones leaves her stifling marriage and, along with her teenage daughter, seeks a new beginning in Oceanside, California, they’re confronted with a big problem. The former owners have left their son Tom behind, and, even though Julie believes he’ll vacate in three days, Tom’s plan is that he’s never going to leave. There’s one thing you can be sure of…before the weekend is over, someone will get their comeuppance.
THE MAGNOLIA PALACE
BY FIONA DAVIS
New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis is back with an enticing novel about twenty-one-year-old Lillian Carter, whose mother passed away eight months earlier during the Spanish flu outbreak of 1919, leaving Lillian’s life in shambles. For years prior, she was a coveted artists’ model in New York City, but lately her work has withered and an impending scandal has rendered her without a safety net. When she takes up employment as a private secretary to the arrogant and severe Helen Frick at the Frick mansion, Lillian becomes entangled with the family’s drama and finds herself ensnared in a web of amorous rendezvous and pilfered jewels, the risks of which are a matter of life or death. Fifty years later, English model Veronica Weber has her own opportunity to earn money for her family within the former Frick residence-turnedmuseum. When Veronica and her burgeoning art curator colleague Joshua come upon hidden messages in the museum, they’re lead on a quest to resolve Veronica’s financial troubles, which could also expose the truth behind a decades-old murder.
THE TOBACCO WIVES
BY ADELE MYERS
Set in the 1940s, this lively historical debut about the hazards of big tobacco, follows budding seamstress Maddie Sykes. She arrives in Bright Leaf, North Carolina—a vibrant and flourishing nirvana— where her aunt has a prosperous sewing business with a dazzling clientele, the wives of influential tobacco leaders. Before long, Maddie realizes that her new neighborhood isn’t exactly as idyllic as it first appeared and that bad luck seems to plague many of the women, as do considerable health concerns. Coincidence? Not so much, according to Maddie’s discoveries. She knows that blowing the whistle on big tobacco is the right thing to do, but how can she when it’s the key to everyone’s survival, and she doesn’t know whom to trust?
HOME OR AWAY BY KATHLEEN WEST
There was a time when Leigh and Susy were dear friends and teammates in line to win an Olympic gold medal in hockey. However, when Leigh’s design for the final roster boomeranged, she abandoned her dream, which included the very person privy to her secret. Twenty years later, Leigh’s life is on the right track— she’s found success in both the personal and professional arenas and is mom to a hockey prodigy. Then a career opportunity takes her family back to Minnesota and the cutthroat world she escaped. It also lands her in Susy’s circle again, a constant reminder of her once-teammate’s Olympic grandeur. Tension aside, Susy wants Leigh to accompany her in the coaches’ box, while Leigh feels that maintaining a safe distance is the only way to conceal her history with Jeff, her former coach. But then suggestions of favors in trade for her son’s ice time surface and Leigh faces the predicament of whether to admit what happened at the liability of her marriage or play Jeff’s game. She may just have to rely on Susy after all.
WOMAN ON FIRE
BY LISA BARR
A determined journalist… an international art scandal focused on a Nazi-looted masterpiece… secrets, greed, sacrifice and love. These are just a handful of the ingredients in this triumphant novel from Lisa Barr, author of the award-winning Fugitive Colors and The Unbreakables. After landing a job with Chicago’s top investigative reporter, Dan Mansfield, Jules Roth is tasked with an assignment that’s both odd and clandestine, which is to unearth the most celebrated painting of renowned Expressionist artist Ernst Engel, Woman on Fire, stolen by the Nazis seventy-five years ago. Why? Because legendary shoe designer Ellis Baum is dying and he’s intent on possessing the portrait immediately. In the meantime, Margaux de Laurent, an art heiress and gallerist in Europe— who always gets what she wants—is also looking for the painting. Her only obstacle is Jules, who has Adam Baum, Ellis’s grandson, on her side— and he’s all too aware of how merciless Margaux can be. May the best woman win.
ONE ITALIAN SUMMER
BY REBECCA SERLE
If you loved Rebecca Serle’s New York Times bestseller In Five Years (it’s a must-read), you’ll consume this poignant and memorable tale about the enduring attachment of a mother and daughter. After Katy’s mom and best friend Carol dies, not only is she distraught, but she also has to embark alone on the trip of a lifetime they had planned—two weeks on the Amalfi Coast, in Positano, where Carol spent the summer before meeting Katy’s father. However, once Katy arrives, she instantly senses her mother’s essence. That, along with the picturesque scenery and culinary delights, buoys her spirit. Then, out of nowhere, a thirtyyear-old Carol appears— alive and well—and Katy is deeply confused. They spend the summer together, as Katy comes to know a Carol who’s not the mother she remembers. This divine novel is about recovering from loss and how those who are closest to us will always be present.
home
by diane sembrot
SPRING RENEWAL
DANISH MODERN,WITH ITS FOCUS ON HIGH QUALITY AND SIMPLE DESIGN, ALSO HAS TRIUMPHANT LONGEVITY
photography by neil landino
In a world gone chaotic, our homes have become the reliable gentle hug at the end of the day. While that comfort comes through in different styles, from ultra-clean contemporary polish to the exuberant color, pattern and texture interplay of maximalism, one style vies for the top spot: Scandinavian. work with a variety of makers and craftsmen and bring a fresh approach to everything they do. People have noticed. They’re doing well, even expanding the local shop (they have another location in Nantucket) to two to-thetrade buildings across from the Saugatuck railroad station. They even renovated space to suit their style and showcase their treasures in vignettes and ever-changing arrangements in the boutique.
On a recent visit, they mention that Danish Modern in particular has found a foothold. “It refers to furniture design from the period of Danish design masters of the late 1940s to the early 1970s,” says Rhonda. “Today, when we refer to it, we are referencing a design perspective that is as much about great design as it is about lifestyle and sustainability.”
This perspective, applied to furniture and furnishings, is notable for its minimal ease, which is to say, it pairs form and function without fussy embellishment. It indulges in the essentials, being practical and pleasing. It appeals to the calmness found in organization. Think wood, curves, natural colors, soft textiles and leather. “Danish Modern speaks to how we aspire to live,” says Rhonda. “There is a focus on healthy living; design that supports the family. It is about less is more, with clutter and extraneous items being a thing of the past. It speaks to a wide range of people because people want a simpler life—one with less complication.”
It also champions craftsmanship, which squares with Rhonda’s take: “Clients are gravitating to quality. They are spending more money on fewer items. There is a return to understanding that quality and good design hold their value over the long haul.”
To uncover the wide appeal of this home-design hero, we turned to Rhonda Eleish and Edie van Breems, the Nordic-style experts behind Westport’s ELEISH VAN BREEMS (evbantiques.com), a home furnishing and design company and retail store that specializes in antique, vintage and contemporary Nordic style. They
left: Danish cabinets with shelves; a Warren Platner vintage coffee table for Knoll in front of a Borge Mogensen midcentury leather sofa; and a mid-century Swedish vases by Arthur Percy for Gullskruf. above: 1970s leather and chrome Safari chairs by Karen Mobring; 1960s chrome-and-wood column clock; and Austrian brass pin wall art
above and below: A Danish Credenza always makes an inviting bar and elegant storage space. below: Handblocked Scandinavian linen pillow in blue and white, photograph of Iceland by Matt Wood and a Niels Bach rosewood coffee table in the showroom
This living room in Greenwich, designed by Rhonda Eleish, is an example of how the pure, clean lines of Scandinavian modernism can work seamlessly with art from any period and create a soothing backdrop for living.
SPRING TRENDS
Shoppers can get a feel for Danish Modern by shopping the store, but Eleish van Breems also works directly with professional designers. Here are Rhonda’s picks for what’s hot now:
SOPHISTICATED STYLE
SPACE AND FLOW
Ways to extend exterior spaces, especially where indoor and outdoor have a dialogue.
PRACTICAL VERSATILITY
Flexible spaces that can be used for a variety of purposes—for example, a formal dining room that doubles as a workfrom-home area.
PERFORMANCE FABRIC
People are living more in their spaces, so they want fabrics that keep up with that.
AUTHENTIC ANTIQUES
They are looking for patina and the soul that antiques add to interiors. They are also returning to investment buying for antiques.
Our Home
left: The kitchen has a custom built-in banquette, custom leather/wipeable seating and soothing combination of simple millwork and natural materials. below: A walk-in pantry with labeled canisters, glass doors and a coffee station help keep things accessible and functional.
Designers at Lake + Hill transform
this FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOUSE in Wilton photography by willie cole
The family room and kitchen share a line of visibility and good flow yet are distinct spaces. A home in a quiet corner of town. Adorable kids. A couple of dogs. It was suburban gold. But for new homeowner Ariana Villalta, it was, somehow, dull. “Here’s our deal. We moved in 2019, a family of seven to this vanilla house in Wilton. It sits on three acres and met all our needs, including a wonderful location, pool and great schools,” she says. “But it was very boring. I have a young family with four kids and two golden retriever puppies and a whole lot of chaos. We wanted to make the home inviting, calming, kid-friendly and joyful.” It needed a change, and she was the one to make it.
Born in Brooklyn, Ariana has degrees in fashion and business and worked in handbag, furniture and advertising design. In 2005 she moved to Asia to work for a furniture designer. “I fell in love with the industry, products and ability to help others create a home they loved,” says Ariana, now co-owner with Ali Vanderpool of Lake + Hill Interiors. Ali claimed her calling in 2007 when she renovated her New York City condo. She learned so much from the experience that she decided to attend a degree program at New York School of Interior Design. “I knew it would be my lifelong career,” she says.
Read on to discover how Ariana and Ali transformed that bland home into a spectacular wonderland.
What went into the project?
“Our goal was a global, modern approach that incorporated warm tones and tons of texture for a cozy, livable environment. Our style is a mix of West Coast casual and practical. The house was updated, so no contractor or architect was needed. Covid hit and we never left, but our vision of a superwarm and inviting space solidified. We kept the palette neutral, the materials natural and the furniture approachable and clean lined. We worked with our team of design professionals that included local wallpaper installers, electricians, painters and so forth, but did no major renovation work. Every room of the house is now redesigned to meet our needs and includes a cozy family room, shared kids’ bedrooms and bathrooms, informal dining space, sunroom, in-law suite, primary suite, living room and mudroom.”
How did this project come about?
“Our family grew from a family of three to a family of seven and outgrew our first home. We looked for several months for the right fit and walked into this one and immediately knew we had found our new home. We also fell in love with the backyard, which includes a pool and almost three acres of cleared land for our kids and puppies to run around on.”
Favorite parts of the finished project?
“We love the reading nook we added to our family room with shiplap and drawers for games. We also love our bonus sunroom because of how much natural light it receives and the year-round ability to experience indoor/outdoor living. And my living room—it has beautiful peaceful sunsets, comfortable deep couches and the perfect balance of warmth and beauty.”
above: The Phillip Jeffries grasscloth on the walls adds dimension and warmth. Layered rugs and multiple seating areas set the space for enjoying games, TV and reading together. below: The Lake + Hill designed nook—with Schumacher cushions in performance fabric and original artwork by Brooks Anderson— balances the weight of the TV in the room.
right: The dining room's round table and cozy chairs keep things comfortable in an otherwise formal space. The Rug Collective washable rugs are easy-care yet high design. A CB2 Bubble chandelier completes the vibe. below: Wallpaper with tones of blue and modern art help the living room feel cohesive.
below, left: An adult escape, the living room's minimal furniture is paired with high texture and performance fabric on the deep-seat couches. right and below: This bonus room brings in the outdoors. The doors open to the backyard and sunsets.
What did you first think when you saw the house?
“We needed to have it immediately. We thought the house felt warm, family-friendly and had a great first floor layout conducive to entertaining and everyday living. Not too small or too big. The house was simple but provided us with a blank slate to infuse our personal taste. There was a finished in-law suite that met the needs of my father who was coming to live with us.”
What did you learn?
“That our home will never be complete! We are constantly finding beautiful things to add and collect. Being that we are such a large family, our needs are always changing and our home has to be adaptive. Also, nothing will ever be perfect and that’s OK!”
Where did you discover favorite finds?
“Etsy for beautiful custom lighting and rugs, Philip Jeffries and Minks to Sinks flea market for antique finds, CB2 to infuse some modern fun, the rug collective for washable rugs because of the sheer amount of dirt and performance fabric from Schumacher and Kravet for custom pillows and seats.”
above: The youngest daughter and son share a gender-neutral, unfussy room. Daybeds and neutral colors make the space adaptable. below: The oldest daughter, a tween, choose Phillip Jeffries vinyl grasscloth. The RH chandelier, PB Teen brass bed, Etsy art and layered French pillows and bedding add femininity. above: The middle daughter's room has a bit of the whimsical and neutral throughout. Custom Indian blankets, Anthropologie wallpaper and linen bedding create a layered and feminine space.
above: This shared bathroom optimizes space with a custom mirror and various storage areas to hide products and clutter. "Bathrooms and bedrooms should be areas that are functional and zen," says the homeowner.
How to Start Your Next Project No. 1
research and plan
We like to bring in any relevant trades and collect as much information as possible from the start. Then we draw up floor plans, put together inspiration boards with images, colors, textures, finishes and materials. We like to do a deep dive with our clients on what their family lifestyle and needs are. Then comes the final initial step of cost analysis and breakdown before we begin formulating design direction.
No. 2
avoid the designer's pet peeves
Primary colors. Mismatched floors.
Shiny '90s brass. Boob lights.
Clutter. Catty-corner furniture. Homes with no soul. Furniture that's not to scale. Shall we go on…?
MAKE IT INTERIOR DESIGNER DIANE KARMEN’S HOME FITNESS STUDIO
WORK
photography by luv bajaj
above: The designer found space by removing the ceiling, exposing the brick chimney and ditching a closet that stuck out into the middle of the room.
Diane Karmen W hen not helping clients transform their homes into beautifully designed dream homes, Diane Karmen (dianekarmen.com/ homes/westport) is recharging her creativity by working out. But it was the shock of the pandemic that brought those workout sessions home. Her daydream plans for a small space evolved into a fitness studio.
“In January 2020 I finally decided to upgrade my little laundry room area, which was in a small, dysfunctional closet at the top of the stairs. We moved and expanded it into an adjacent storage closet under the eaves of our small, 1940s Cape house,” she says. “The stuff I did not throw out ended up in my son’s former bedroom along with a lot of materials, like fabric and rug samples, I use in my decorating business. The room was a disaster, but I put blinders on until I could figure out what to do with the accumulated junk.”
Then the March 2020 lockdown happened. She and her husband both started working from home and “tried to carve out spaces for ourselves where we could each work and work out.” She cleared space in that cluttered bedroom,
—diane karmen, interior designer
the only place in the house where she could meditate and work out. Then, inspiration struck. “One day I was lying on a yoga mat staring at the ceiling and, as the pandemic dragged on, got motivated to make this into a dedicated workout and meditation space. We removed a makeshift closet that stuck out into the room, raised the ceiling to the roof joists to give more height—helpful for when I use my jump rope—and exposed a brick chimney hidden behind a wall that took up space unnecessarily. I painted everything, including the chimney, Benjamin Moore Super White and added track lighting. I stripped and bleached the old yellow pine floors and created the ‘art gallery’ space I pictured in my head. We eventually added a full complement of exercise equipment and left an open space area to workout, stretch or meditate.”
Today, she says that bedroomturned-home-studio was a lifesaver, and she credits her friendship with her coach, Julie Migliaccio (in opening photo), owner of Evolution Sports and Fitness in Westport, for creating a personalized fitness program to be done at the gym or at home. “Once the pandemic hit and all the gyms shut down, I was able to continue my workouts,” says Diane, who is surprised by her own motivation. “I can work out whenever I want—I get first dibs over my husband—in a beautiful, inspiring space. We still love it and use it every day,” she says. “There has been a lot of tragedy and not many good things to come out of this pandemic. Having this space helps me get through these tough times.”
CLOSER LOOK: To learn more about the laundry room project, check out Most Lovely Things blog by Annie Diamond: mostlovelythings.com/laundry-room -renovation-small-space/
by diane sembrot
Timothy Oulton’s Westminster Button Jack’dN Brok’n Sofa
above: The biggest changes was removing the ceiling, exposing the brick chimney, and removing a closet that stuck out in the middle of the room. Vintage Rebel A new chapter for TIMOTHY OULTON on Main Street
The story of Timothy Oulton, a British décor destination, begins in 1976. Tim Oulton’s father, Major Philip Oulton, opened an antiques shop in the UK. He was proud of his country, his military service and his store, and those influences became part of Tim’s signature style (along with a dash of rakishness, a leftover from boarding school). The blend reveals a taste for luxury, traditional techniques and authenticity. It shows up in his collection of stores, which is expanding globally, including in California, Florida and New York City. The furniture and accessories will be available at the brand’s first stand-alone gallery in Westport. Read on as the founder shares his vision.
above: Timothy Oulton's Whitecliff Sofa
What is the world of Timothy Oulton?
“Our core philosophy is based around giving people a great hosted experience. We’ve always been driven by this realization that we only have one life, so we should elevate every moment to the utmost. The stores, the furniture, our hospitality projects… everything is a vehicle for delivering a visceral experience. It’s got to move people in some way. We’re unique because we’re not purely a design company. It’s more than that. It’s about the craftsmanship, the materials, the story.”
What is the aesthetic of the brand?
“We use classic materials and traditional hand-finishing techniques, but with a modern twist—a slightly subversive energy. Everything is handcrafted using time-honored techniques and beautiful authentic materials. It always starts with the materials; we don’t even decide on the shape until we’ve got a material in our hands. We bring old timber from the UK, leathers from Brazil and Argentina, and stone, crystal and glass. We’ll look at the materials and ask, what can we try and do with this? The product isn’t for the fainthearted. It’s very strong visually, and that’s something we really focus on.”
How has it evolved?
“I think in the early days we were known for being quite a masculine brand, but that’s changed over the years. I’m really happy with how varied our aesthetic has become. We can do rugged and casual, we can do sleek and polished, and we can do our own take on modern glamour. Some of our lighting pieces are incredibly glamorous. I think the biggest evolution for us was introducing the Noble Souls collection a few years ago. It’s the first full sofa range made using 100 percent natural vegetable-dyed linens. It’s still epic but in a simple, calming way. I think it’s crucial to evolve as a designer. We are constantly looking to innovate in both our designs and the materials we use.”
Your story is rooted in antiques. How is the brand compatible with current furniture and decor styles?
“Vintage never dies. It has a story, and that’s what draws people to it. Vintage will always be a big influence for us, whether it’s in the design or the materials, but we put our own modern twist on it. I always talk about the Gyro Crystal—a rococo chandelier. Pretty as it is, it’s boring on its own, but whack it in a cage and it just becomes something else. I stand by the mantra, ‘Be Relevant or Be Dead.’ We borrow ideas from the past, but we make them our own.”
Any favorite pieces?
“It’s hard to pick a favorite. It’s a bit like asking who your favorite child is! I’ve always loved our Shabby sofa—it’s so effortlessly cool, and our new Gentle Shepherd sheepskin collection is just epic. We’re working on some other new designs, which will launch throughout the year so watch this space.”
—timothy oulton
Timothy Oulton’s Bay Swivel Chair and Shimmer Bar Cabinet
Timothy Oulton, founder and creative director
WHAT TO EXPECT
“Westporters should expect an immersive feast for the senses—our best-loved furniture, lighting, and home accessories showcased in a captivating setting. We want you to make yourself at home, relax on our chairs, touch everything, put your feet up on the couch. We can help you find that one statement piece or bring an entire room or house to life with the help of our 3D room-planning service. It’s somewhere you can come, have a glass of champagne, or a cup of tea in a beautiful vintage teacup, and enjoy the experience.”
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eat
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above: Sophisticated banquette seating, white linens, chandelier lighting and woodwork below: Roasted rack of lamb with potatoes, broccoli rabe and a cabernet reduction
Class Act
The Curtains Open at GABRIELE'S in Westport by elizabeth keyser
Get ready to plan your meal backwards at Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse—start by putting in an order for a dessert soufflé for the end of the evening. Are soufflés Italian? Not really, but they are luxurious, and Gabriele’s is all about upscale luxury. Gabriele’s, formerly of Greenwich, has reopened in Westport next to the Westport Country Playhouse. It has reconfigured and renovated the space, replacing the country feel of wood walls for millwork. The rooms are brighter and fancier, tables set with white linens before cozy banquettes and chandeliers overhead. A glass wall between the clubby, dark-wood bar and front dining room is great for people watching on both sides.
The old Gabriele’s in Greenwich was hedge fund heaven, known for the expensive cars that pulled up to valet parking. The new Gabriele’s continues the affluent theme. On a recent evening, as guests of the restaurant, we sampled a parade of dishes. It was a Wednesday, and the restaurant was buzzing. A group of women gathered to celebrate a birthday at the big, carved wood table in the center of the room warmed by the new slate-surfaced fireplace.
Gabriele’s menu features steak, seafood, pasta and desserts. That’s why you’ll want to plan your meal backward. Because you have to try the desserts. There’s a pastry chef in the kitchen updating the classics, baking, whipping and
assembling ethereal Napoleons, whose flakey puff pastry crackles into layers of sweet whipped cream and caramelized toasted almonds. Cheese cake is draped in bourbon caramel sauce (with a hint of salt), scattered with toasted pecans and topped with a scoop of homemade gelato. Plates are decorated with caramelized sugar shapes that absolutely should be eaten, and quenelleshaped scoops of homemade gelato and sorbet.
Steaks (including boneless and bone-in filet mignon and Tomahawk rib eye) are aged twenty-eight days, and the chef will fire it up anyway you want it. I recommend putting yourself in the hands of the chef for a pink, juicy medium rare. But if you want them to cook it medium, they will. If you’re splurging, you can add on a lobster tail to your steak, or have it Oscar style, with crab, asparagus and hollandaise. For us, a grilled porterhouse, with its combination of filet and strip, was enough. There’s a choice of four sauces, including classic peppercorn and a more contemporary truffle butter. For sides, we went for mascarpone mashed potatoes over the extra, extra large baked stuffed potato, which a friend says is the biggest baked potato she’s ever seen. Spinach gratin, baked in a cast-iron pan and topped with breadcrumbs, lacked a creaminess we associate with steakhouse spinach. Broccoli rabe, sautéed with garlic, is a better option if you’re trying to make a stab at something healthful.
Main courses for seafood lovers include a thick filet of Chilean sea bass over seafood risotto with lobster, clams and mussels. For vegetarians, there’s a roasted cauliflower steak served with carrot-ginger purée, succotash and toasted pine nuts. Of the pastas, cavetelli with broccoli rabe and sausage, topped with a deepfried basil leaf, was our favorite. Bolognese was tossed with papparadelle, and the wide, tender noodles caught the rich, meaty sauce and melting Parmesan.
Starters (remember, we’re working backward) include classic clams oreganata. Grilled octopus seemed lost on a fussy plate decorated with dots of aioli and chimichurri, along with potatoes, beans, chorizo, capers and charred lemon for squeezing over the octopus (the nicest touch on the plate). Salads are substantial and good for sharing. We passed on the classic iceberg, blue cheese and bacon salad for a more healthful and colorful beet salad with strawberries, pistachios and goat cheese croquette.
At the end of the meal, after an espresso, the long-awaited moment arrived. The server placed the soufflé before us. It had been hard to choose. Chocolate? Pistachio? Grand Marnier? It seemed that the orange brandy flavor would end the meal on a cloud. The waiter poured a shot of Grand Marnier cream sauce into the center of the soufflé. Our spoons hovered.
top, left: Gabriele’s signature Trenette Aragosta with lobster tail and truffle fonduta top, right: Pastry Chef Ruben Palma’s Napoleon with butter puff pastry, vanilla bean mousseline cream and caramelized almonds left: Dry-aged Tomahawk Bone-in Rib Eye below: Stately bar with a private nook bottom: “Passion for Chocolate” Valrhona chocolate mousse atop flourless chocolate cake and adorned with spun sugar
