O C TO B E R 2 02 0
The Foodie Issue
Glow.
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BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SKIN AWAITS!
LIFESTYLE LETTER
OCTOBER 2020 PUBLISHER
Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR
Let’s Eat! OH, GREENWICH, ARE YOU IN FOR A TREAT. This month is all about food—the prettiest, trendiest, newest and tastiest foods we can find. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and find yourself eating the same things each day. We get it; we’re all busy, and we have our go-to meals that we know will feed the family for the whole week. We return to our favorite restaurants and order our favorite dish every time
Brynn John | brynn.john@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER
Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily Liebert, Helen Phillips CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mindy Briar
because we know it is always amazing. But, this month, it is time to branch out and tantalize your taste buds. Try something new; you might find a fresh staple to add to the rotation. And we’re here to point you in the right direction. This issue is packed full of unique recipes, up-and-coming restaurants you haven’t tried yet and, of course, plenty of drinks to complement your meal. Happy eating, Greenwich.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
Laura Sabia, Publisher
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
ON THE COVER Founders of RISE Brewing Co. 4
Greenwich Lifestyle | October 2020
CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich
Proverbs 3:5-6 Greenwich Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Greenwich areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Greenwich Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2020
FEATURES 12 An Inside Look at Some of Greenwich's Restaurants 16 The Rise of RISE Brewing Co. 22 Let Them Eat Cake!
22 28
28 A Fresh Look at Bistro V
12
16
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
12
Local Limelight
16
Locally Owned
22 Culinary Creations 28 Hot Spot 34 Lifestyle Calendar
We specify, install + service high-end motorized shades, automated lighting systems, fixtures and controls. Our design approach is to blend with your interior design. Using the finest metals, fabrics + technology, we have options ranging from traditional to contemporary. Old Cove is comprised of uniquely talented, intelligent and driven people. We pride ourselves in our craftsmanship and detailed work.
Kevin Marra
Andrew Russotti
CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich
7
GOOD TIMES
Music on the Great Lawn The Greenwich Historical Society hosted an evening of summer fun with food trucks and live music. Â The Merlin Band provided the audience with a fun filled night of music while maintaining social distance.
8
Greenwich Lifestyle | October 2020
EXPERTS IN COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL LENDING SERVICING WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTIES WE OFFER ALL THE SERVICES OF THE BIG BANKS BUT DO IT BETTER! TRUE COMMUNITY BANKING WESTCHESTER 500 Westchester Avenue Port Chester, New York Tel 914.908.5444
GREENWICH 444 East Putnam Avenue Cos Cob, CT Tel 203.629.8400
STAMFORD 900 Summer Street Stamford, CT Tel 203.413.6101
www.greenwichfirst.com | NMLS#510513
// TROVAREHOMEDESIGN.COM //
V CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich
9
AROUND TOWN they combine a love of dogs with a desire to create luxurious dog beds that are beautiful in any room of your home. They love well designed, livable spaces with unique, personal touches. Their look is clean and classic, simple yet refined. With their selection of fabrics you can express your individual style, creating a welcome retreat that your dog will love! www.neelysnest.com
BOARDS BY SOPH Boards by Soph is a charcuterie company serving Westchester and (southern) Fairfield counties. Its founder, Sophie D’Ippolito, is a recent University of Miami graduate and long-time cheeseboard aficionado. Every ‘Board by Soph’ is made with a precise arrangement of cheeses, meats, fruits, crackers and signature homemade snacks, including the especially popular truffle parmesan popcorn. Offerings range in size from the classic
10
GRAND OPENING OF THE PICCOLINA SHOP
10-inch square boxes to 15 by 23 inch boards. An
The Piccolina Shop opened their doors at 82
additional timely offering are individual plates, sold
Greenwich Avenue at the end of July. Started
in groupings of four or more, and particularly suit-
by Janice Wright, Alejandra Salazar and Lena
able for this year’s socially distanced gatherings.
Scilipoti, Piccolina – Italian for “little one” – offers
To learn more, visit www.boardsbysoph.com,
a lifestyle brand of various offerings for children
instagram or facebook.
from babies to toddlers.
NEELY’S NEST LANDS IN GREENWICH
GREENWICH MENTAL HEALTH GROUP
Founder Terri started Neely’s Nest after search-
Dr. Sarah Seldon, a psychologist, and Jill
ing for the perfect raised dog bed. At Neely’s Nest,
Ahluwalia, a psychiatric nurse practitioner have
Greenwich Lifestyle | October 2020
joined forces to open up Greenwich Mental Health Group.  They provide a full range of therapeutic and psychiatric services under one roof, allowing them to accommodate a wide array of treatment options, including therapy, medications, or some combination. Their advanced specialty training helps to provide individualized and cutting edge treatments to help you feel better faster. www.greenwichmentalhealthgroup.com
THE SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT BITE For the entire month of October, we are inviting local restaurants, small and large, to enter our search to find THE PERFECT BITE
Help us choose the winner of THE BEST MEAL Would you like to get in touch with
throughout all of Greenwich
us? We would love to hear from you!
by voting with the QR code.
Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Greenwich using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.
CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich
11
LOCAL LIMELIGHT
An Inside Look at Some of G r e e n w i c h ' s Re s t a u r a n t s
Billy Kulhanek
DETAILS: Restaurant: Elm Street Oyster House Position: Founder and Chef
WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING THAT MADE YOU
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON(S) YOU’VE
WANT TO BE A CHEF?
LEARNED THIS YEAR?
I have a background in the film business, I hung lights in
What I learned is how many people are so kind. That is,
live action. I decided I wanted to own a restaurant and had
how so many regular customers were so concerned about
seen the way chefs treated people. So I decided if I was
us. When we were closed I would come here every day to
going to own a restaurant I needed to cook.
pick up the mail and check on things. People would see me and stop their cars to check, they were just concerned
WAS THERE EVER A TIME YOU DIDN’T WANT TO
about how everyone here was doing. We had a gofundme
BE A CHEF?
site for the staff and people donated a lot of money towards
Eventually it got too physically hard, that’s why I moved
that. Truthfully, it’s how kind the people are.
to the front of the house. Being a chef is a young mans game, no doubts about it.
DESCRIBE WHAT MAKES A GREAT CHEF IN THREE WORDS.
WHAT DID YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A CHEF?
Great leader.
You get a lot of respect being a chef, much more today than you used to. When I started in the restaurant business most of the chefs had records and were pretty wild guys, so today is the complete opposite thing. That was always great, people treated you with a lot of respect.
favorite dish at your restaurant? Oyster appetizer, the wasabi tuna, and the paella.
12
Greenwich Lifestyle | October 2020
WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU ATE THAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE A CHEF? I think it was all of my mom and grandmother’s cooking because their cooking is just so amazing, but I wouldn’t get it all the time. When my mom would make nice meals it would really set the evening, it was something special. An accumulation of mom and grandmothers meals, for me it was just so much better than going out to restaurants. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A CHEF? It’s amazing how it brings in so many other types of skills into one, when it comes to management and team building skills, even math and accounting when you are running your books and food costs. I love the creation, I love the team work of throwing ideas together and coming up with a final product that you never expected. WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON(S) YOU’VE LEARNED THIS YEAR? Adapting to the problems and working through and finding solutions, again it’s all about team work. I’m very lucky to be working with family, my parents and wife. Whatever they through at us we are going to figure out a way to keep going and stay positive. Positivity is of major importance, it’s not working your way in 2020. Finding little goals and surpassing them are small things to be congratulated for. DESCRIBE WHAT MAKES A GREAT CHEF IN THREE WORDS. Leadership, commitment, and passion DETAILS: Restaurant: Orienta Position: Chef
ADRIEN BELCH
favorite dish at your restaurant? My two favorite dishes would be the striped bass and the salt and pepper cod. It’s fun because when you start thinking of the dish, as my knife goes down I can remember something that I did 14 years ago on some random day of the year. The striped bass came from that, I took a couple ideas from Le Bernardin and Eric Ripert and mixed them in there. I remembered he made a sauce that he deglazed with de Canton, a ginger liqueur. We are trying to be Vietnamese, put in some ginger and lemongrass and started playing with that, and it all came together.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich
13
LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)
DETAILS: Restaurant: Z Hospitality Restaurants Position: Executive Chef
ALBERT DEANGELIS WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING THAT MADE YOU
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON(S) YOU’VE
WANT TO BE A CHEF?
LEARNED THIS YEAR?
Having good cooking in the family, my mom, grand-
Just to be thankful and grateful, we are so fortunate to
mother, and father were great cooks. Growing up we
be here for so long. Terra opened in ’91 and Mediterraneo
didn’t go out to restaurants a lot because frankly the food
in ’95, our regulars and customers helped with the take
was better at home. It was a little different that way and
out initially, it was nice to see. I have learned to also work
then it interested me more when I started working at
with less and streamline things.
restaurant as a dishwasher. I started seeing the action and presentation, that’s probably what did it.
DESCRIBE WHAT MAKES A GREAT CHEF IN THREE WORDS.
WAS THERE EVER A TIME YOU DIDN’T WANT TO BE A CHEF?
Passion, multitasking, resilience- meaning you have a lot of bad days, take a deep breath and start over.
It is a hard life, family life is hard, you are always working. That plays on you, it’s not fun always running late for a party.
People coming up to me and saying your restaurants
favorite dish at your restaurant?
are so consistent, so good year after year. It is hard to
Icelandic codfish with eggplant curry and mango chut-
make that happen.
ney. I like the spice and heat, it’s a little sweet, all your
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A CHEF? Coming in on a daily basis there is gratification.
tastes were involved for a well rounded dish. 14
Greenwich Lifestyle | October 2020
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MUSEINTERIORS.NET GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT
•
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15
LOCALLY OWNED
The Rise of RISE Brewing Co. “COFFEE, WATER AND MAGIC”, RISE
tap at Colonie Restaurant in Brooklyn. “We
BREWING CO. STARTED WITH HUMBLE
created a coffee with our specific desires in
BEGINNINGS AND WAS FUELED BY PAS-
mind, organic, non-GMO and nothing artifi-
SION, HARD WORK AND FRIENDSHIP.
cial and soon learned there was a market for
Three childhood friends, Jarrett McGovern,
what we were making,” said Gyesky.
Grant Gyesky, and Justin Weinstein had an
RISE was on the rise and in addition to
idea—to create the best tasting cold brew
growing their restaurant business, cus-
coffee using the highest-quality, organic
tomers began calling for RISE on tap in
ingredients they could source.
their offices. “We just followed the prod-
They started brewing in McGovern’s East
uct” Weinstein recalls. “Wherever people
Village apartment using Organic, Fair Trade
wanted our coffee – in their homes or
beans from Peru’s Chanchamayo Valley and
offices, on the go, wherever – we went out
uncovered a passion for the naturally sweet,
of our way to bring it to them and figured
chocolatey taste of cold brew coffee. Inspired
out how to do it on the fly”.
by the frothiness of an Irish stout beer, they
RISE became a 24-hour operation with
infuse their cold brew with nitrogen to give
the team brewing, cleaning kegs, deliver-
it a refreshingly smooth, creamy texture that
ing and selling around the clock to (thirsty)
creates a “latte like” experience without milk,
customers. Next to follow, in December
sugar or any added calories.
2015, was a pop up café on Stanton Street
In the early days, the Trio went door to
in New York City where RISE engaged with
door in New York City sharing their home
customers and introduced New Yorkers to
brew with friends, family, baristas and any
Nitro Cold Brew coffee for the first time. “The
restaurant that would let them in. They
café was extremely important for us, we got
discovered a new way to celebrate coffee
to tell our story and educate people about
and the critics agreed: “Using Sustainably
Nitro Cold Brew Coffee. Our early customers
sourced Peruvian coffee beans, the product
became our greatest storytellers - the more
has a bold super smooth flavor. There’s also
we engaged with them, the more we learned
a natural sweetness and creaminess, which
about our core consumers and the more that
is a pretty neat trick for a product that is
helped us develop future products”.
just black coffee without anything added but gas” – BevNet.com.
Once again, the company outgrew its facility in Gyesky’s garage and moved into
Encouraged by friends and family to
a larger, full scale Brewery in Stamford, CT
pursue their dream, they quickly outgrew
where they set up their first Nitro Cold Brew
McGovern’s apartment; converted Gyesky’s
canning line with the capacity to brew over
garage into a Brewery and launched RISE on
a 1,000 kegs a day (*they are now able to CONTINUED >
16
Greenwich Lifestyle | October 2020
CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich
17
LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)
18
Greenwich Lifestyle | October 2020
can over 200,000 cans a day). “Our biggest fans were drinking our coffee Monday through Friday in the office, and started calling us to ask how they could get RISE on the weekends — so we always joke that we launched RISE in cans to chase them home” says RISE’s COO, Melissa Kalimov. So, flash forward to today RISE Brewing Co. continues to expand their offerings from the award winning Original Black to organic dairy and dairy free lattes brewed with oat milk. And just recently, RISE is expanding beyond coffee with a stand-alone Oat Milk (Vanilla and Chocolate coming this fall) and their first tea based beverage called the London Fog, brewed with Earl Grey and oat milk. The company now sells their nitro cans across the country in large retail outlets like Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, Safeway and can be found in Fortune 500 offices like Facebook, Apple, Nike, Google, Live Nation and ESPN. In addition, RISE sponsors the US Surfing team, US Climbing, USA Ski team and fuels various Major League Baseball teams from the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox to the Oakland A’s and Toronto Blue Jays. In Greenwich, you can find them on tap at Aux Delices, Granola Bar, Upper Crust, Garden Catering, Corbo’s, Rinaldi’s and many of the local grocery stores. “It’s been incredible to work with two of your best friends and start a company” says Weinstein, “we’re so proud of what we brew and love sharing it with as many people as possible” says McGovern. “The most important advice is to make sure you’re enjoying the journey”, says Gyesky”.
CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich
19
A Collection of Our Finest Properties
20 Bush Avenue Greenwich | $6.25M | Web#170323452 Rob Johnson 203.979.2360
99 Park Avenue Greenwich | $3.695M | Web#170296359 Diddle McAllister 203.321.0553
29 Glen Avon Drive Riverside | $4.495M | Web#170306961 Joann Erb 203.253.1800
188 Otter Rock Drive Greenwich | $5.395M | Web#170300193 Christopher Finlay 203.969.5511
Halstead Connecticut, LLC. Licensed in Connecticut. All information is from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, prior sale or withdrawal without notice. Customer should consult with its counsel regarding all closing costs, including transfer taxes. No representation is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate and all information should be confirmed by customer. All rights to content, photographs and graphics reserved to Broker.
Luxury Properties Under 2 Million 76 Summit Road Riverside | $1.875M | Web#170299674 Marjorie Fuscone 203.274.1941
208 Bedford Road Greenwich | $1.75M | Web#170220889 Mairead O’Sullivan & Charlene von Saher 203.249.1579
41 Sundance Drive Cos Cob | $1.129M | Web#170328249 Cora Lynch O’Meara 203.561.3306
5 Bayberrie Drive Stamford | $1.449M | Web#170304751 Patti Meyer 203.240.1686
230 Stanwich Road Greenwich | $1.275M | Web#170325600 Randy Keleher & Valerie Burns 203.253.5065
125 Mason Street, Greenwich | 203.869.8100
CULINARY CREATIONS ARTICLE EMILY LIEBERT
FAIRFIELD MOM CRYSTAL PAUSHTER—
LET THEM EAT CAKE!
FOUNDER AND OWNER OF CONFECTIONS BY CRYSTAL—ADMITS SHE NEVER LOVED BAKING, BECAUSE IT CAN BE “FINICKY AND VERY SCIENTIFIC.” With that said, she did have a passion for decorating cakes and making people happy. We had the sweet opportunity to sit down with Crystal to chat about her spectacular cakes, which she creates (and, yes, bakes) for every occasion—from birthdays and anniversaries to bachelor parties and weddings. GL: WHAT INSPIRED YOUR INTEREST IN CAKE-MAKING? CP: I used to think that it was a hobby I developed on my own in my mid 30s, but I recently looked through some old photo albums at my 90 year old grandmother’s house and noticed very ornate birthday cakes in the pictures, so I asked my mother about them and she said that she used to make them for me as a child and that my grandmother did the same for her as well. So, I guess it was always in my family—a combination of nature AND nurture. GL: WHAT WAS THE FIRST CAKE YOU EVER BAKED? CP: I’m sure it was something I helped my mother bake as a kid. More recently, the first fondant covered cake I made was in June 2015 for a good friend’s three year old daughter. It was a farm animal cake and, looking back, it was a bit of a disaster, although at the time I thought it was pretty spectacular! The birthday girl was a very specific three year old who wanted a half raspberry and half banana cake (to this day, the only time I have made that combination!)
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Greenwich Lifestyle | October 2020
CONTINUED >
“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life, only i n m y c a s e i t ’s more like , Do you what you love and suddenly you’ll be up all hours of the night on a deadline!”
CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich
23
CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)
24
Greenwich Lifestyle | October 2020
“Fir s t a nd fore mo s t I’m ins pire d by t he joy my c a ke s bring to ot he r s . I love whe n a ch i ld f ir s t se e s t he ir bir t hday c a ke; i t re a l l y i s a mag ic a l mome n t .” GL: WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO TURN YOUR
white orchids cascading down the side. It was very dra-
PASSION INTO A CAREER?
matic and beautiful and really fit the wedding venue and
CP: My first career is in finance (and still is). So, I
couple perfectly, which is my ultimate goal.
wouldn’t call baking cakes a career, just a hobby that has taken over my life! It was never a conscious decision, it just
GL: WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART ABOUT
happened gradually as friends and family requested cakes
MAKING CAKES?
and then one day I was buying a website and filling out
CP: There are two different things that can be hard
forms for an LLC. I think it goes back to the saying, “If you
about making cakes: the technical aspect and then
do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,” only
the creative aspect. The technical aspect can be very
in my case it’s more like, Do you what you love and sud-
frustrating if I’m trying to make something and it’s not
denly you’ll be up all hours of the night on a deadline!
working out the way I envisioned it, for example the fondant isn’t holding its shape or the cake isn’t straight
GL: WHAT’S THE MOST UNIQUE/WILDEST CAKE
and smooth. Usually I can work around these issues
YOU’VE EVER BEEN ASKED TO MAKE?
and pivot to something else that I’m happy with. The
CP: A groom’s cakes for a wedding rehearsal dinner can
harder part of making cakes though is the creative
be pretty specific and unique, sometimes with inside jokes
aspect. Sometimes the creativity flows and sometimes
that I don’t really understand. But I’d say the most unique
it doesn’t, but when I have deadlines to meet the cakes
cake was requested by a four year old who wanted all of
must get done no matter how inspired I’m feeling. My
the flags of Asia and a picture of the continent of Asia on
best cakes come from times when customers send
his cake. And he knew every flag and he made sure they
me a few inspirational images that are not other cakes
were all there! This was way more fun for me to make than
they’ve seen—maybe the invitation or party plates or a
another rainbow unicorn cake—so bring on the wild ideas!
photograph—and then I interpret those images into a cake that is truly custom and unique.
GL: WHAT’S THE AVERAGE TIME IT TAKES YOU TO MAKE A CAKE?
GL: DO YOU EAT A LOT OF CAKE?
CP: It ranges from 3 to 5 hours on average, sometimes
CP: Ha! Let’s just say that each cake layer must be
longer based on complexity. When I first started they often
torted (leveled) and there is always a bit of extra cake
took me 8-10 hours!
around, which is very dangerous!
GL: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CAKE YOU’VE
GL: HOW MANY CAKES DO YOU MAKE A WEEK?
EVER MADE?
CP: Approximately 3-5 cakes per week. During the
CP: Definitely a five tier black and gold marble wed-
COVID-19 pandemic I have been making more because
ding cake I made for a very fun couple with a theat-
the orders are spread throughout the week. Usually they
rical, over-the-top wedding in a vintage metropolitan
are concentrated on weekends and then I can only take
hotel. Everything about the process was fun, from the
up to 3 cakes a day or I run out of time (and refrigerator
design meeting to the cake delivery. They gave me a lot of
space). At the beginning of the pandemic I thought my
creative freedom, and I added in a tier with a black leather
orders would decline, but instead they increased since it
effect and another covered in edible gold. Then the other
was one aspect of the celebration that could continue (or
three tiers were black marble and the whole cake had
possibly everyone was just stress eating).
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich
25
CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)
GL: DO YOU BAKE OTHER TREATS FOR YOUR FAMILY? CP: Yes, I do make things like banana muffins for my kids and cookies for special holidays. GL: DO YOU LIKE TO COOK TOO? CP: I do! (Even more than I enjoy baking) I usually cook about 4-5 nights a week. I’ve been told my seared salmon is pretty solid and my kids will eat it so that’s a bonus. Right now I keep it simple since my kids are young and picky but I’m looking forward to their palates expanding as they get older so I can get back into more complex dishes. I love making any sort of seafood dish—scallops, shrimp, fish, crab—usually with a butter and white wine sauce and some fresh parsley. Living near the ocean you really can’t go wrong with those ingredients! I also roast veggies a lot and bake dinners like chicken or fish. GL: WHAT INSPIRES YOU? CP: First and foremost I’m inspired by the joy my cakes bring to others. I love when a child first sees their birthday cake; it really is a magical moment. Or when a customer sends a thank you note or posts a picture of their family surrounding a cake. And first birthday cake smash sessions are always so fun to watch. I will go out of my way to make a first birthday cake when possible because that is such an important milestone. People sometimes ask me if it bothers me when a cake is cut and my answer is yes and no. On one hand it is a little bit of a bummer watching something I’ve spent hours creating being sliced up. But, on the other hand, cake is about spreading happiness and it is made to be eaten. To that end, I always try to make sure my cakes taste as good as they look and I use the highest quality ingredients possible. GL: PLANS TO EXPAND? CP: I’ve been looking into the logistics of hosting cake decorating camps and classes since I really enjoy teaching, although COVID-19 put a damper on that for the time being. As for a brick and mortar storefront, that would be down the road after my kids are older and I have more time to devote to it. Check out Crystal’s website: confectionsbycrystal.com. More cake photos can be viewed on Instagram: @ConfectionsbyCrystal
26
Greenwich Lifestyle | October 2020
WORK. STAY. EAT. ENGAGE. REFRESH.
1114 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, Connecticut 06878 203.698.6980 | JHOUSEGREENWICH.COM
CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich
27
HOT SPOT
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Greenwich Lifestyle | October 2020
A Fresh Look at Bistro V MARC AND EVELYNE PENVENNE HAVE BEEN PROUD TO SERVE THE GREENWICH COMMUNITY SINCE 1994 AT MÉLIMÉLO CREPERIE AND MÉLI-MÉLO CATERING SINCE 2006, BUT THEIR STORY ACTUALLY BEGAN IN 1990 WHEN MARC WAS GENERAL MANAGER AT VERSAILLES CAFE. Greenwich Avenue has seen many changes over the years and when Marc spotted the “for sale” sign posted on Versailles’ front door, nostalgia kicked in. He could not see another Greenwich institution go. In an effort to evolve with the changing landscape, Bistro V was born in 2013 following a facelift and name shift to emphasize an expanded dinner menu and new international wine list. The interior of the restaurant is proudly inspired by the classic French bistro Marc and his wife remember from growing up in France. It is a cozy local hangout they share with their regular patrons from Méli-Mélo and newcomers alike. The location has become a destination in town for photoshoots and a popular backdrop for Instagram influencer content. A highlight is that Bistro V still offers the same great pastries and viennoiserie from the original Versailles bakery located only a few streets away from the restaurant. Each morning a fresh delivery of warm baked goods is delivered to Meli-Melo and Bistro V. The original pastry chef, Gilberto, hand-delivers them warm from the oven each morning, a tradition he’s carried out with the business since 1980. All of the same natural recipes, brought from Paris, France over four decades ago, are still used at the bakery today. All of the ingredients are fresh, no additives, preservatives, or artificial colorings are used which gives these delectable treats an authentic French taste. A new menu launched during July which includes international dishes with a French twist and premium cocktails. For many years Bistro V has maintained a bustling weekend brunch that features organic egg omelets and relaunched its bottomless Mimosa or Bloody Mary brunch deal once in-dinging reopened during the pandemic. Patrons can still enjoy their favorite French classics like salade niçoise, croque monsieur, French onion soup, quiche lorraine, steak frites, moules frites, and beef bourguignon as well as new dishes like CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich
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HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)
“A n e w m e n u l a u n c h e d d u r i n g J u l y which includes international dishes with a Fr e n c h t w i s t a n d p r e m i u m c o c k t a i l s .”
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Greenwich Lifestyle | October 2020
the seafood saffron risotto, gluten-free pasta with vegetables, and mahi-mahi fish tacos with housemade chips and guacamole. Marc’s favorite dishes are the risotto, seafood trio which includes crab cake, Bronzino, and tuna over vegetables and the Buddha bowl. Hot summer dishes like the Brussel sprout salad with shrimp, lobster roll, PEI oysters, and shrimp jalapeno poppers (which might literally be the hottest dish on Greenwich Avenue) are regularly washed down with delicious handcrafted premium cocktails and the top rosé wine from France. Regulars order the Hibiscus Margarita, Cucumber Mojito, and Bubbleberry all made with fresh ingredients and fresh-squeezed juice from the popular Meli-Melo juice bar which was also awarded by ‘Best of Greenwich’ this year. Note, the Piña colada deluxe is served in a pineapple and almost looks too good to drink along with the other specialty drinks served in elegant glassware. Small bites along with cocktails and wines are discounted during Happy Hour to encourage off-peak dining since the restaurant remains open all day until 10:00 p.m. seven days a week. During its standard breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours the restaurant is packed with a mix of families, couples, and singles new to the area. In partnership with the Town of Greenwich, Bistro V was able to expand its outdoor dining area to accommodate customers who are not yet ready for indoor dining due to COVID precautions or simply want to enjoy the outdoor weather and glorious people watching on Greenwich Avenue. Reservations are not necessary but encouraged Thursday through Sunday. Bistro V is located at 339 Greenwich Avenue, a few doors from the original Versailles cafe location, and it’s sister restaurant Meli-Melo (362 Greenwich Avenue). These two beloved restaurants have allowed Marc and Evelyne to develop relationships with families in town for generations and they plan to keep these establishments open as long as possible while the Town’s business community continues to evolve. Keep your eyes peeled for Marc next time you’re taking an early evening drive in town. When this restauranter isn’t at work he’s enjoying and discovering the immaculate beauty and trails that Greenwich has to offer while riding his bike. versaillesgreenwich.com | melimelogreenwich.com
CityLifestyle.com/Greenwich
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Greenwich Lifestyle | October 2020
Tamar Lurie
Jen Danzi
Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. ©2020 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. .
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203-890-9292 19 E. Elm Street, Greenwich, CT
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OCTOBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
2
making, storytelling and a scaven-
GO WILD! DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT
door fun for all.
ger hunt throughout the afternoon.
Greenwich Polo Club
Come for food, drinks and safe outReservations Required for each session.
Enjoy a night at the movies with Go Wild! There will be two movies showing, one kid and family friendly, the other teens and adults. Proceeds from
Go
Wild!
will
support
18 NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE DAY
Celebrate by trying one of the
7
following tempting recipes while
NATIONAL COFFEE WITH A COP DAY
show, Cupcake Wars. Or stop into
watching an episode of the Food Network reality-based competition
This day brings men and women
some of our local bakeries such as
conserve open space, connect our
in uniform together with their com-
Black Forest Bakery, By The Way
community with the natural world,
munities to connect over a cup of
Bakery, or St. Moritz. Remember to
and inspire the next generation of
joe. Use this day as an opportunity
invite friends or family over to share.
conservationists. Tickets must be
for open dialogue and to improve
purchased in advance.
communication. When officers hear
Greenwich Land Trust’s efforts to
their community’s needs from the
31
3
people themselves, they’re better
THE GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL
17
and goblins, creatures, and strange
NATIONAL PASTA MONTH
trickery. People of all ages look for-
Join the outdoor fun at our much
Explore the world of pasta. Whether
ward to Halloween traditions. While
anticipated annual Fall Festival.
you’re cooking up a salad, main
dressing up and baking, we carve up
Bring the whole family to the
dish, or dessert, recipes abound. If
glowing pumpkins. Children breath-
Historical Society or an afternoon of
you don’t feel like cooking, pick up
ing life into storybook characters,
music, scarecrow making,
pasta from Pasta Vera or Il Pastificio
practicing their trick or treat. In twos
Enjoy live music performed by
or take the family out to an Italian
and threes, they traipse through
popular bluegrass–swing band Too
restaurant. No matter what you are
the neighborhood, collecting their
Blue, while families enjoy scarecrow
planning, invite friends to join you.
bounty in pillow sacks.
The Greenwich Historical Society
able to support them.
HALLOWEEN
Halloween brings out the ghouls folk. They come creeping about the neighborhood seeking favors over
your fave tacos + sides, to-go feed the crew w/ a family pack, pack available for pick-up or delivery order at bartaco.com
34
Greenwich Lifestyle | October 2020
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20 Bush Ave Greenwich | $6.25M | Web# 170323452
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39 High Street Greenwich | $1.199M | Web#170313583
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8 Meadow Marsh Lane Old Greenwich | $3.599 | Web# 170292947
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2
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4 Knollwood Drive E Greenwich | $3.195 | Web# 170297349
16 Marlow Court
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4 5
Riverside | $5.85M | Web# 170309055
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2 Sylvan Lane, Old Greenwich
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Represented By
Rob Johnson
Please call for pricing 203.979.2360 robjohnson@halstead.com robjohnsongreenwich.com
125 Mason Street, Greenwich | 203.869.8100
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Halstead Connecticut, LLC. Licensed in Connecticut. All information is from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, change or price, prior sale or withdrawal without notice. No representation or guaranty is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and other information should be re-confirmed by customer.