7 minute read
Eat + Drink
[ NOV ] Eat + Drink
[ DEC ]
An Appetite for Art
Feast your eyes on these restaurants with incredible art collections
ARTWORK BY ERIN NAZARRO
B y B ridget S hirvell
›› RESTAURANTS are about so much more than simply food. Not that the chocolate chip pancakes at Wooster Hollow Dinner aren’t divine, because they are, but the best restaurants are full of sensory experiences, leaving you with a feeling that stays with you long after you’ve finished your meal and stepped out the doors. For many restaurants in the area, helping to create that feeling is art from local artists.
Sarah’s Wine Bar: Catch up with friends over a glass of wine and view the current work on display.
ARTWORK BY JOAN KENDALL
Wooster Hollow Diner: Go for breakfast, order a chocolate-chip pancake and take in the art, which changes every 8 weeks.
“The art has really turned Wooster Hollow from a grungy diner into a cute art cafe,” says Wooster Hollow Diner owner Ron Herman. “It’s a big help for the local artists to be able to have a venue to show their paintings, their photos, or their sculptures. It gives them a chance to show everything they’ve done to their families and friends. Sometimes they sell a lot, sometimes they sell a little, but rarely do they sell nothing at all.”
For the past six years, local artist Joan Kendall has served as curator to the diner, hanging a total of works from about 25 different artists over the years in the space. Fitting, since putting the art there was her idea.
“I had been going to the restaurant for several years on Sunday mornings and when Ron took over, I remember looking around at those old Greek posters on the wall thinking ‘hmmm I wonder what could happen with these walls,” Kendall recalls. “I asked Ron if he ever thought of using it for local art, and he looked at me and said ‘it’s yours.’ I panicked and thought what have I gotten myself into. I was the first artist that showed at the place. It’s just been so much fun.”
From Wooster Hollow to Tusk & Cup in Wilton to Sarah’s Wine Bar and The Barn Door, several Ridgefield and Wilton restaurants feature art as awe-worthy as their food and drink.
Sarah’s Wine Bar is an elegant location with a beautiful interior and delicious food renowned throughout town. They have a rotating art display, recently featuring a group of female artists that call themselves the Abstract 11. The Barn Door on Route 7 focuses on nature as a large part of its charm, utilizing stone and woodworking with a stunning painting of a horse by Andrea Rowan on the fireplace mantel, along with several figurines and decorations.
ARTWORK BY JOAN KENDALL
ARTWORK BY ANDREA ROWAN PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BARN DOOR
The Barn Door: Bite into a buffalo pizza and view the local art, which changes every couple of months.
Tusk & Cup Wilton: Pop in for a cold brew or a gelato and look at Erin’s art and the other local talent, which rotates as artists wish.
“We see our cafe as part of the vibrancy of this town,” says Laura Freed Ancona of Tusk & Cup. “We want to collaborate with as many local businesses as possible, whether it’s selling Deborah Ann’s chocolate or featuring local artists. This way people feel like they are really in a unique local space, rather than a chain. That’s very important to us, and we hope to our customers!”
Laura and her husband, Joe Ancona, have owned Tusk & Cup, which their son Josh now runs, for the past ten years. They’ve been showcasing local artists since they opened, starting with Redding artist Erin Nazarro.
“Her art became so much a fabric of our space, that we ultimately purchased several pieces so that the front of our store is a permanent tribute to Erin. We saved two spaces in the back to showcase other local talent,” says Laura. n
Cocktail Corner
The T Spot
The Healthiest Alcoholic Drink You Could Possibly Have
Created by Diego Bernard, this drink has soared in popularity at Tequila Escape in Ridgefield. Its soft appearance is contrasted by the sprinkled cinnamon and dehydrated orange, bringing an earthy element to the presentation. The sweetness hits before the alcohol and is immediately balanced with the cinnamon and lime juice. The egg white holds the drink together, absorbs acidity, and gives it a delicious creamy texture and foam that holds the cinnamon, which is present in every sip.
Bernard is passionate about health and designed the drink with this in mind. As far as alcoholic drinks go, it’s one of the healthiest options you could have. Order it at Tequila Escape or enjoy by the fireplace at home as the snow blows outside.
❱ 1 Egg White ❱ Casamigos Tequila ❱ Lime Juice ❱ Splash of pineapple juice ❱ Orange bitters – balances the sweetness ❱ Organic Agave Nectar ❱ Sprinkle cinnamon and dehydrated orange for garnish
Method: Mix egg white with tequila, add lime juice and pineapple juice with orange bitters. Add agave nectar to taste and shake. Garnish with cinnamon or star anise. This is a well-balanced drink that can be experimented with in terms of ingredient measurements. Have fun!
GEORGETOWN’S ICONIC VILLA CAROLINE
This former carriage barn was converted in 1969 to a residence by the late fashion designer Rolan S. Mattson, and was named in honor of his beloved friend Olive Caroline “Carrie” Kennel Miller, the original owner of the historic larger surrounding estate. Set back privately on 1.77 acres including the inspired 4,998 sf main residence with 1,305 sf in the walk-out lower level 1 BR accessory apartment with private entrance; detached 3 car garage; heated gunite pool & pool cabana; fruit trees, vegetable gardens, & whimsical potting sheds; plus inquire for options to purchase additional 1.8 acre parcels & 2nd private residence with detached studio for a true family compound. Total 4 bedrooms, 3 /1 baths & additional sleeping loft; hardwood floors; central air; & so many delightful outdoor rooms/gardens; just steps to Georgetown shops & restaurants. $990,000
IN-VIILLAGE TOWNHOME
Exceptional townhome in sought after Quail Ridge, just steps from The Ridgefield Playhouse, ball fields, dog park, Prospector Theater, Ballard Park, restaurants and shops. Residents also enjoy use of the private pool and pool house. Sought after floor plans with main level entry foyer, formal living and dining rooms, plus extra den/library with vaulted ceilings and fireplace. Spread out with total 1,925 sf including 3 bedroom options, 2/1 baths, and 208 sf in the lower level bedroom, also ideal for gym, office, or den. Enjoy two car garage and top in-town location. Pets allowed too (inquire for restrictions). $499,000
WALK TO HUNTINGTON STATE PARK
Exquisite level 2.82 acres in top location, moments to Huntington State park with approx. 900 acres of trails for hiking, dog walking, horseback riding, or mountain biking, yet just 66 miles to Midtown. This exceptional colonial has been updated throughout and features hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces, French doors, large rear deck to the sprawling yard/perennial gardens, plus 2018 designer kitchen. Total 3,342 sf, 4 BR, 2/1 baths, with great light and flow; formal LR with brick fplc and French doors; large DR room with window seat; plus expansive FR with vltd ceiling, skylight, cstm brick fplc, and French doors to the deck. Enjoy the finished lower level rec room, office with custom built-ins, plus ample unfinished area with room for home gym and storage. $719,000
STRIKING CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION
Exceptional virtually new custom construction completed in 2006 incorporating the property’s original 1950 stone cottage to inspire the resulting 6,533 sf modern farmhouse colonial. This is the perfect country estate, sited on 2.24 picturesque acres w/extensive mature perennial gardens, specimen trees, & rolling lawn w/rear wooded privacy & lower stream. Highest attention to detail w/clean lines, soaring ceilings, & open flow. Total 4,716 sf on the main levels w/5 BR, 4 full/1 half bath, plus additional 1,817 sf in the finished walk-out LL w/2nd half bath & wine cellar. Stunning chef’s kitchen completed in 2018 by Clark Construction ($100K+ remodel); 3 car garage; 2 generators; huge LL for fitness, rec room, billiards, or studio; plus only 63 miles to Midtown. $859,000
