Milford, CT January 2025

Opin Wide!

H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S

M EET TH E FATH ER-SO N DU O M AKIN G M ILFO RD SM I LE FO R M O RE TH AN 50 YE ARS

JA N UA RY 2 02 5

NEW YEAR’S EDITION

BREAKING NEWS TRINITYPOINT WEALTH MERGES WITH COASTAL BRIDGE ADVISORS

A Unified Approach to Your Financial Success.

This strategic merger brings together the expertise, resources, and industryleading solutions from both organizations to better serve your financial needs.

With a shared commitment to personalized service and innovative financial strategies, we are poised to deliver even greater value to our clients.

203-693-8525 Info@CoastalBridgeAdvisors.com CoastalBridgeAdvisors.com 612 Wheelers Farms Road Milford, CT 06461 Coastal Bridge Advisors is a Registered Investment Adviser. SEC Registration does not constitute an endorsement of Coastal Bridge Advisors by the SEC nor does it indicate that Coastal Bridge Advisors has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

HUESTISTUCKER .COM C O N N ECT IC UT | NEW YOR K | MASSACHUSETTS

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy New Year!

Hello Milford and Happy New Year!

As the holiday season winds down, we at Milford City Lifestyle are ramping up to bring you a full calendar year of events, businesses, profiles, and opportunities offered in our town. We are grateful to the readership we have reached thus far as well as the many residents who have followed us on social media and connected directly with members of our team. In 2025, we will continue to produce engaging stories and high-quality photographs that celebrate the unique Milford experience.

This month, we turn our focus to health and wellness. After the sometimes-hectic holiday experience of giving and sharing, it can be invigorating to pause and turn inward to reflect and refresh ourselves. Whether this means picking up a new hobby, establishing an exercise routine, visiting a therapist, enjoying a day at the spa, or simply being more intentional with your time, our mental and physical health is vital to our ability to share in and contribute to our families and communities.

Lucky for us, Milford offers an ideal playing ground for our wellness journey. In this month’s issue, you will find profiles of local healthcare providers, a round-up of fun, movement-centered activities available around town, insight into options for health-conscious cuisine, and many other opportunities to engage with Milford’s wellness landscape. And speaking of landscape, who could forget our town’s prime geographic location? One simply has to walk the boardwalk from Silver Sands to Walnut Beach to experience a sense of inner joy, awe, and peace.

I myself plan to dedicate more time to slowing down and enjoying the small but special moments – picking my son up from school, cooking a meal for friends, going for a sunset walk, or enjoying an exceptional cup of coffee on a cold January morning. It is my hope, and the hope of all of us at Milford City Lifestyle, that you are able to engage in your community without losing sight of the time we all must take for ourselves. We have probably all heard in one way or another that balance is crucial to a healthy lifestyle; we hope we can, in some small way, help you achieve it.

MARK ARNOLD, PUBLISHER @MILFORDCITYLIFESTYLE

January 2025 PUBLISHER

Mark Arnold | mark.arnold@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Chelsea Spata | chelsea.spata@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Amanda Schuld | amanda.schuld@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Julian Saria C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Ed Belenski, Robert Creigh, Mark Arnold, Shelby Graham

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt COO Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CTO Ajay Krishnan VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Milford City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Milford area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/MILFORD

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

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 Milford City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

The WORK “An interesting piece of work, freely chosen, which has the virtue of inducing concentration rather than fatigue, adds to the child’s energies and mental capacities, and leads him to self-mastery.”

-Maria Montessori

Open House January 12th 2:00pm

171 Amity Road, Bethany 06524

Small. Exquisite. Authentic.

(203) 393-3100 www.wtm.earth

inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 5 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

22 14

18

Featured

14 18

22

6

Ask the Expert: Samantha Rao, O.D.

Dr. Rao Answers our Questions about Keeping our Eyes Healthy

On the Cover

Departments

Dr. Gary Opin and his patient, Madelyn Paterna

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Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

10

Business Monthly

14

Local’s Choice LOCAL SERVICES

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Local Limelight HEALTH + WELLNESS

22

Trend Setter LOCAL SERVICES

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Eat Right FOOD + BEVERAGE

30

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

34

Events

Transforming Smiles, Changing Lives

How Opin Wide! Orthodontics Uses Innovation to Enhance Patient Care

Milford’s Wellness Landscape

Explore our Town through Fun Activities that Cultivate Healthy Habits

Photography: Ed Belenski

Photo Credit: Phil Kohan photosbyphillip.com

My Experience Is The To Selling Your Home!

• Certified Global Luxury Agent • Connecticut Magazine Consistent 5-Star Award Winner • Real Trend’s Real Estate Award Top 1% of Realtors in Connecticut • Coldwell Banker Top 1% in Connecticut

barbarazink.sites.cbmoxi.com 203.464.2598 | barbara.zink@cbmoves.com 171 Broad Street, Milford, CT 06460

Barbara Zink Milford’s Real Estate Expert

JANUARY 2025

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1

MILFORD CITY HALL

2

MARK ARNOLD

4

3

SHELBY GRAHAM

5 SHELBY GRAHAM

7 ROBERT CREIGH

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MARK ARNOLD

DOCKSIDE BREWERY

1: Friends and family kick off the holiday season at The Hops Company 2: Volunteers organized by Edgewell/Schick clean up Eisenhower Park 3: Shoppers and vendors enjoy the Milford Artisan Market on the green 4: James Walters Grooming celebrates one year in business 5: Community members come together for the Health Fair at the Parsons Building 6: Prime Tobacconist celebrates grand opening 7: Customers don their plaid for Flannel Fest at Dockside Brewery

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TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ M I L F O R D C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

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C I T Y SC E N E

Milford’s Orthodontist Since 1968 Our focus is always on you and your smile Dr. Gary Opin and Dr. Perry Opin understand that changing a person’s smile can change a person’s life. Throughout your entire orthodontic experience, they will be attentive to your comfort, will listen to and respect your treatment goals and concerns, and partner with you to achieve a lifetime of smiles. At Opin Wide Orthodontics, our doctors develop lasting relationships with our patients and their families, while providing a superior level of care to create healthy, engaging smiles. For over 55 years, we have been leveraging state-of-the-art treatments to provide our patients with highly individualized, effective care.

OpinOrthodontics.com | (203) 877-3231 | 266 S Broad St, Milford, Connecticut 06460

JANUARY 2025

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Natural Kitchen Puts Healthy Spin on Traditional Handheld Foods Give your new year’s resolutions a fighting chance with the creative and healthy options at Natural Kitchen.

Located at 102 River St., Natural Kitchen boasts a menu that is at once traditional and eclectic, including a wide array of poke bowls, nutritious smoothies, and tasty bubble tea.

In a hurry? Grab a rice bowl “burrito” and enjoy the convenience of a handheld snack without sacrificing your health goals.

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®

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G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ MILFORD

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Fit Solutions Offers a Chance to Start Anew Can’t decide where to begin on your fitness journey? Fit Solutions is your one-stop shop for embarking on a new challenge or maintaining your physical health. Offering both diet coaching and personal training, Fit Solutions recognizes that every body is different. Their dedicated team works with you to curate a plan that fits your lifestyle best, so you can take the guesswork out of working out.

Located at 100 Lansdale Ave.

Scan to read more

Milford’s top restaurant offers a gracious dining experience where our Italian-inspired menu and hospitality meets the highest expectations.

Flawless Beauty Bar Settles in at New Location Flawless Beauty Bar celebrates three years in business and has moved to a new location at 120 Boston Post Rd. The full-service hair salon offers everything you need to treat yourself: haircuts, coloring, styling, extensions, and much more. Visit them in their new space today and usher in 2025 with a new look.

Scan to read more

Complement your meal with selections from our award-winning wine list.

Join Us Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday for our $38 Three-Course Prix Fixe Dinner Consider our beautiful private dining room to host an event that is sure to impress your guests!

WWW.BIN100.COM | 203.701.8970 100 Lansdale Ave, Milford, Connecticut 06460 JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

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KNOW YOUR HORMONES. KNOW YOUR OPTIONS. Experiencing Hot flashes?

Reduced Sexual Health?

Fatigue? Insomnia?

Dr. Courtney Holmes, APRN will check your hormone labs and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what the results mean and what your options are for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, as well as explain the risks and benefits of potential treatments.

Dr. Courtney Holmes, APRN Medical Director & Owner

Are aging hormones impacting your relationships?

In our daily practice we often hear from the men and women under our care about their relationship struggles. Unfortunately, these struggles, often attributable to declining testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, are infrequently discussed among friends and underrecognized as a treatable condition by health care providers.

At Milford Med Spa, our board certified nurse practitioners can help you turn back the clock on your hormones so you feel like yourself again and thrive in your romantic relationship.

Request your hormone evaluation today

AWARD WINNING WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS

milfordmedspa.com | 203.701.6161 @milfordmedspa | 99 Cherr y Street

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA SPATA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ED BELENSKI

Ask the Expert SAMANTHA RAO, O.D., ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING IN MILFORD, THE UNIQUE BRIGHT EYES EXPERIENCE, AND MAINTAINING YOUR OCULAR HEALTH

What first interested you about optometry?

My father is an optometrist and prescribed me my first pair of glasses in second grade. I remember being astonished to see each individual blade of grass and leaf on a tree. Experiencing the world through blurry vision as a child, and then the clarity that came with glasses and contacts, inspired me to explore the science behind human vision.

Why did you choose to open up a practice in Milford?

I chose to open my practice in Milford because I just love the community spirit here. I live nearby with my husband and twoyear-old daughter, and we love coming to all the great events, playgrounds, and beaches. The best thing about Milford is the people – our patients have been so kind, friendly, and appreciative of our practice, and it is our patients that truly make it fun to come to work every day.

"The best thing about Milford is the people – our patients have been so kind, friendly, and appreciative of our practice."

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LOCA L’S CH OICE | LO CA L SE RVICE S

What kinds of services do you and your team offer at Bright Eyes?

At Bright Eyes, we offer comprehensive eye care for adults and children ages 3 and up in a warm and inviting setting. Our specialties include contact lenses, dry eye treatment, and myopia control to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. We manage a wide range of eye health conditions, from glaucoma to diabetes, and provide urgent care for conditions like eye infections, styes, and injuries.

Why should people regularly visit an eye doctor?

Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good vision and detecting early signs of eye diseases. Eye exams can also reveal potential health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Regular eye exams are especially crucial for children and young adults because of how important vision is for learning. I have seen children who struggled with reading, headaches, and paying attention in class due to an undiagnosed vision problem.

What makes Bright Eyes a unique experience for patients?

Bright Eyes is a welcoming, modern space with friendly staff and state-of-the art technology. We utilize advanced equipment to provide comprehensive eye care and educate our patients about their eye health. I show every patient HD images of the inside of their eyes and teach them what they can do to optimize their vision and eye wellness.

In our studio, we curate a selection of unique eyeglass frames by independent designers from around the world. If you see someone walking around Milford with awesome glasses, ask them if they’re from Bright Eyes!

What advice would you give for maintaining ocular health on a daily basis?

My top tips for ocular health are: 1) UV protection – wear high quality sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays, 2) cleanse your eyelids and lashes! Gently scrub to remove debris that can clog tear glands and lead to dry eye, and 3) stay active, don’t smoke, and eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3’s.

JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

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Good news happening right in your neighborhood.

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Milford City lifestyle™ 16

see clearly, live confidently

Modern Eyecare for the Whole Family

Medical Eye Care Contact Lenses Eyewear Studio

Samantha Rao, O.D.

203.693.7333 | brighteyesmilford.com 88 Noble Ave #105, Milford, CT 06460

JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

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Transforming Smiles,

Changing Lives HOW OPIN WIDE! ORTHODONTICS USES INNOVATION TO ENHANCE PATIENT CARE

Dr. Gary (left) and Dr. Perry (right) Opin

ARTICLE BY JULIAN SARIA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ED BELENSKI

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

For decades, Dr. Perry and Dr. Gary Opin have redefined what it means to care for patients. This father-son duo combines cutting-edge technology with genuine compassion to transform lives in Connecticut and beyond. Their practice, Opin Wide, constantly innovates excellence and community-centered care.

Dr. Perry’s journey in orthodontics began in 1969 during his military service, but it was never just about straightening teeth. As one of the founding members of the Yale Craniofacial Team, he dedicated his career to helping people born with cranial defects such as cleft palates – conditions affecting one in 800 births. When Yale opted not to establish a dedicated craniofacial department, Dr. Perry carried on independently, determined to fill the gap.

Today, Opin Wide is a haven for patients with craniofacial conditions, offering hope to individuals from across the globe. The practice approaches each case with meticulous planning, leveraging advanced technologies like Cone Beam CT scans, which create detailed 3D images without radiation, and artificial intelligence tools that aid in precise bone grafting and orthodontic adjustments. Many treatments span years, requiring an extraordinary commitment to excellence, but the results are transformative – improving functionality, restoring confidence, and changing lives.

One notable case involved a patient from China who arrived with a severely compromised dental structure.

After years of tailored care, her transformation reflects the Opin team’s dedication and expertise. These stories go beyond physical improvements like better chewing or speech; they underscore the profound impact of reclaiming one’s sense of self.

Innovation remains at the heart of Opin Wide, extending to their more traditional orthodontic services. The practice

offers self-ligating braces to minimize discomfort and reduce treatment time. They were also early adopters of the LightForce system, which uses AI to create customized braces for each tooth. Patients travel from across the United States and even as far as Saudi Arabia to benefit from the practice’s pioneering approach.

Beyond its technical expertise, Opin Wide is known for its personalized, patient-centered environment. The team takes special measures to ensure comfort, including the help of Lucy, their certified therapy dog – a hypoallergenic King Charles Cavalier-Miniature Poodle-Bichon mix. She brings a calming presence to anxious children and adults alike. “It’s incredible how much of a difference Lucy makes,” Dr. Gary reflects. Her presence embodies the practice’s unique commitment to making patients feel at ease during even the most complex treatments.

Dr. Perry and Dr. Gary consistently emphasized the importance of their dedicated team: a bookkeeper, two receptionists, and four state-certified chairside assistants.

“This isn’t a one-man or two-man show,” says Dr. Gary. “Our entire team is instrumental in delivering the level of care our patients deserve.” Collaboration also extends to referring dentists, with whom the team maintains clear and open communication to ensure seamless, coordinated care.

“Many treatments span years, requiring an extraordinary commitment to excellence, but the results are transformative – improving functionality, restoring confidence, and changing lives.”

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

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Dr. Perry and Dr. Gary consistently emphasized the importance of their dedicated team: a bookkeeper, two receptionists, and four state-certified chairside assistants. “This isn’t a one-man or two-man show. Our entire team is instrumental in delivering the level of care our patients deserve.”

The Opin Wide! Team, including certified therapy dog Lucy

Their commitment to their community is equally inspiring. The practice has absorbed costs for families facing financial challenges, ensuring that no patient is turned away due to monetary constraints.

Over the entrance to their office is a sign that reads: “Through these passages pass the best people in the world, our patients and their families.” This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of their work.

Regarding practical advice for everyone, Dr. Perry characteristically says, “Get a water flosser and don’t chew sticky stuff.” While the advice may seem simple, maintaining good health and wellness often comes down to easy, everyday habits. In fact, it’s these small, consistent actions that can make all the difference. Water flossers, now more accessible and affordable than ever, are a prime example – an effective tool that helps ensure your smile stays as healthy as it is beautiful. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the work you do in the office – it’s about how you carry that care and wellness with you daily.

As Opin Wide looks to the future, it continues to evolve with technological advancements while remaining rooted in its mission: to provide transformative care that empowers patients. Whether through groundbreaking craniofacial surgery, innovative orthodontics, or simply offering comfort and compassion, Dr. Perry and Dr. Gary Opin have set a standard for what it truly means to care.

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

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MILFORD’S

WELLNESS LA NDSCA PE Explore our Town through Fun Activities that Cultivate Healthy Habits

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T R E N D SE T T E R | LO CAL SE RVICE S

L O C A L

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S E R V I C E S

1 1. GYMS A ND STUDIOS

If you're hoping to get back in touch with your physical health, fitness centers and wellness studios are a great opportunity to pick up a new hobby or skill. Visit one of Milford's premiere gyms or explore a membership at one of the yoga studios around town. AT Sangha Yoga, centrally located on High Street, also offers registration on a per-class basis.

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2 . F A M I LY F U N

3. OUTDOOR E X PLOR AT ION

One of the best ways to stay active on a daily basis is to make it a family affair! The Milford YMCA offers a number of family or youth memberships that allow access to their gym, pool, and group activities. And of course, who could forget the ultimate wintertime family activity? Sledding!

A recent history of mild winters makes outdoor excursions in Milford all the more likely this year! Walk the boardwalk from Silver Sands to Walnut Beach or explore the trails behind Eisenhower Park.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

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S E R V I C E S

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L O C A L

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5. FOOD A ND DR INK

Wellness often starts with how we nourish our bodies. Visit Natural Kitchen or Sprout Raw Juice Bar for a nutritious pick-me-up, or enroll in one of the cooking classes at The Fig Cooking School to craft and eat a delicious curated meal.

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4 . S PA S A N D S A L O N S

6 . M E N T A L H E A LT H R ESOURCES

Sometimes the best way to unwind is to treat yourself. Book a massage, facial, manicure, hair cut, and more at one of the many Milford spas and salons. Milford Med Spa offers customers the opportunity to enhance their bodies and minds through traditional treatments and wellness activities like meditation and a grief recovery program.

While maintaining physical fitness is important, giving one's mental wellness the proper attention can help improve overall health.

Take this time to find mental health practitioners in the area or register for telehealth appointments through a web service like Better Help.

T R E N D SE T T E R | LO CAL SE RVICE S

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smart

SWEETS The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.

Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN

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EAT R IGH T | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

Combine: • 1 cup wheat flour • 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled • 2 cups oats • 2/3 cup of your choice of chopped nuts • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 2 tablespoons chia seeds • 2/3 cup raisins • Optional: chocolate chips as desired • Optional: add additional seeds or nuts on hand such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.

Notes: Boil quinoa at a 2:1 water to rice ratio.

For estimating, 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa yields 1 cup cooked quinoa.

Add this mixture slowly to combine: • 2 eggs • 2/3 cup peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter • 1/2 cup honey • 1 banana • 1 teaspoon vanilla Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until when the edges get golden brown.

Bake in a 9x13-inch glass dish. After they cool, slice and enjoy. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.

Quinoa BREAKFAST Bars

This recipe is a classic favorite. If you cut the bars into 16 pieces, they are around 270 calories each. They are very filling, packed with healthy goodies and taste, oh so delicious. If you can’t finish them yourself (it makes a lot!), bring samples along to your next workout class to share the love. Your accountability group will be asking you for the recipe! These come in handy for a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. You’ll want to taste these out of the oven once they cool a bit... simply scrumptious.

CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

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1. Cut a banana into 8-10 small slices, around 1/2 inch each.

2. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter) on each banana slice.

3. Drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate chips or caramel over each bite.

4. Freeze for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!

Pro tip: A dash of sea salt flakes on top of these can be *chef’s kiss.* These are great to keep on hand in the freezer all weeklong. Once they set, add them to a closed container to keep the bananas from browning.

Late night snack cravings are real! When finding yourself rooting through the cabinets for a sweet fix, these protein cookie dough bites are a great way to curb temptation. This recipe yields around 20 small bites, which can be cut into small squares or rolled into dough balls. Each bite is around 105 calories. If you find the dough is a little too dry, add a dash of milk as needed.

Ingredients • 1/4 cup milk • 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder • 1/4 cup maple syrup • 1/4 cup peanut butter (or alternate nut or sunflower butter) • 1 cup almond flour • 1 teaspoon vanilla • Chocolate chips as desired Pro tip: Use mini chocolate chips and for a dash of savory add sea salt flakes on top.

Once combined, store the bites in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep them moist.

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EAT R IGH T | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

Protein COOKIE DOUGH Bites

Frozen PEANUT BUTTER Bites

Danger ahead: this snack is amazing. It’s the easiest of the bunch and also satisfies a sweet tooth craving. This can be whipped together in just 5 minutes and makes just a small amount. Feel free to take creative liberty here with your amounts, but if you make it to this recipe, they are around 90 calories per bite.

Welcome to the Community, Milford City Lifestyle Magazine!

The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, along with our 660 business members, is excited to welcome Milford City Lifestyle Magazine to our vibrant and growing community! We’re thrilled to see local voices and stories featured, further enriching what makes Milford such a special place to live and work.

If you’re not currently a member of the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, now is the perfect time to join us! Connect with other businesses, enjoy exclusive resources, and make an impact in the community. For more information or to get started, email Simon at smcdonald@milfordct.com.

CONNECT WITH US TODAY!

www.milfordct.com 203.878.0681 1201 Boston Post Rd, Milford, CT 06460 JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

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ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TYLER SHANE

SOUP AND BREAD:

A PERFECT MARRIAGE

Hearty food nourishes the body during cold winter months

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

As we continue to embrace the cold weather, we may find ourselves craving heavier and grounding foods as we retreat into hibernation. This change in appetite reflects our body’s desire to align with the cycles of nature. Moving into the New Year, it can be common to place more discipline or restrictions on our eating habits. But what if instead of dieting, we nourished ourselves by choosing to support the ebb and flow of our body’s seasons? What if we chose connection — cooking seasonal meals and allowing ourselves to pause to truly enjoy our food?

Maybe cheesy bread could be served without the side of guilt.

This Italian wedding soup recipe is simple in its approach, but the result is a hearty and brothy dish. Chunky meats and vegetables add texture to the rich, savory broth making it the ideal meal to help you retreat from the cold temperatures. The Hasselback bread loaf is a straightforward, melty wonder and the perfect vessel for sopping up any leftover broth and goodies in your soup bowl.

Together, the soup and cheesy bread make for a well-rounded meal to ground you this season, with a little indulgence.

HASSELBACK MOZZARELLA BREAD LOAF INGREDIENTS • 1 Italian bread loaf • 1 cup butter • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced • 1 tsp kosher salt • 2 tsp dried oregano • 8 oz. bag of shredded mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS 1.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Cut foil that is 3 times the length of the bread loaf and lay flat on countertop.

3. Place bread loaf parallel to the length of the foil.

4. With a serrated knife, cut bread in ¾ in. slices, making sure not to cut all the way through.

5. Melt butter in a bowl. Add garlic and seasonings. Stir to incorporate.

6. With a pastry brush, coat the slices of bread with butter mixture.

Be generous with your butter! If you have leftover butter, pour the rest over the entire loaf.

7. Grab handfuls of mozzarella cheese and stuff in between each slice.

8. Cover the bread loaf with foil and place in oven. Bake for 20 minutes, uncovering the foil for the last 5 minutes until the top of the bread is golden brown.

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

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INGREDIENTS

ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP RECIPE 4 Servings

• 1 lb. fresh or frozen pre-made meatballs • ½ cup carrots, diced small • ½ cup celery, diced small • 1 cup onions, diced small • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 1 bay leaf • 2 tbsp butter • 2 tbsp cooking oil • 48 oz low sodium chicken broth • ½ cup orzo pasta (or any small, short noodle) • 1 tbsp kosher salt • 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped roughly • 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley

DIRECTIONS 1.

Whether freshly baked or cooked from frozen, prepare your meatballs and set aside. Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the fridge.

2. Bring a medium-sized pot to medium heat. Add oil and butter.

3. Add vegetables to the pot and sweat until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir occasionally.

4. Add the bay leaf, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to vegetables. Turn heat to medium-high.

5. Bring broth mixture to a rolling boil for five minutes.

With tongs, add meatballs to the boiling broth.

6. Add orzo to the broth, stirring continuously to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

7. Continue to cook the pasta for 6-7 minutes. Taste test to make sure pasta is al dente.

8. Throw the fresh herbs into the soup and add salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve immediately.

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

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JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / M I L F O R D

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JANUARY 2025

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

JA NUA RY 5T H

Hiroya Tsukamoto In Concert Milford Arts Council Performance Hall | 4:00 PM Hiroya Tsukamoto is a composer, guitarist, and singer-songwriter from Kyoto, Japan. His music features elements of folk, jazz, and global influences that stem from his early days of playing the five-string banjo.

JA NUA RY 1 0 T H

Après Ski Cooking Class The Fig Cooking School | 6:30 PM There's nothing like a hearty meal after a day on the slopes! Embrace the warmth and fun of après ski with this curated winter-time menu featuring Swiss fondue, braised beef, and vanilla bourbon pudding. Registration $135.

JA NUA RY 1 1 T H

MAC Bash Music Festival Milford Arts Council | 2:00 PM Break up the monotony of the winter months with this mini music festival featuring The Moonrise Cartel, Almost Olive, and the Trunk Band. Refreshments and cash bar available.

JA NUA RY 2 2 N D

Annual Awards of Distinction and Meeting Bin 100 | 6:00 PM Support members of the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce as they honor Sue Shields, retired CEO of Milford Bank, with the Kapusta Award for exceptional leadership. The awards will be followed by the Chamber's Annual Meeting. Visit the Chamber's website to register.

JA NUA RY 2 3 RD

The Figure in Place Opening Reception Firehouse Gallery | 6:00 PM Join local art enthusiasts for the opening reception of The Figure in Place, a community-generated exhibition. Work will focus on sharing narratives of figures in a range of environments. Free and open to the public.

JA NUA RY 2 5T H

Third Annual MRCC Bridal Expo Grassy Hill Country Club | 11:00 AM The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce brings you its third annual bridal expo, presented by Milford Med Spa. Enjoy the fashion of Karlene Lyndsay Designs and start preparing for the big day. Tickets for MRCC members are complimentary; general public tickets $10.

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G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / M I L F O R D

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EVE N TS

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