Have you ever wondered, “Do fathers matter? What differences do I make in my home as a dad?” Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father is tremendous! Fathers make countless differences in their home and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you! A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.
As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their home:
• A father’s strength can be powerful
• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational
• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting
• A dad’s smiles can instill joy and confidence
• Time with a dad can be fun and productive
• A dad’s physicality can be challenging
• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational
• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving
• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable
Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.
Happy Father’s Day!
BRUCE BERNSTEIN, PUBLISHER @RIDGEFIELDLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
PUBLISHER
Bruce Bernstein | bruce.bernstein@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Samantha Beranbom | samantha.beranbom@ citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Pam Antonacchio | pam.antonacchio@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michael McGuirk, Kate Wark, Sarah Stabile-Motta
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Annamari Mikkola, New Light Creative Services, Kate Wark Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
Jill Rae Designs One Year Studio Anniversary Party 1: Renee Fozouni and Mary Joyce 2: Stephen March, Stacey and Kip Shiblili 3: Rob Salaga, Bob Colman, Kim Harper and Heather Salaga 4: Martha Morris, Anthony Defeo, Monica Defeo, Jill Rae, Rob Rae and Geoffrey Morris 5: KR Fozouni, Chris Joyce and Rob Rae 6: Mariah Murphy, Jill Rae and Kim Harper 7: Hank Belvio, Sinead Belveo and Michael Yedowitz
Host your next event or golf outing at Salem Golf Club. Nestled among the beauty and rolling hills of upper Westchester, discover award-winning golf and a beautifully designed banquet facility. Whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, shower or corporate event, our team will ensure a memorable experience. To take a tour of the facilities, reach out to us at 914669-5485 or visit our website for more information. We’d be thrilled to serve you! salemgolfclub.org
We are pleased to present Treated Groom Spa, Ridgefield’s first wellness center for dogs, where there are no shortcuts between quality, hygiene and experience. We offer unmatched service with a staff of two full-time groomers with over 20 years of experience combined. We cater to all dogs, including dogs with special needs, and offer free baths and cuts to foster and rescue dogs. Open 7 days a week by appointment. treatedgroomspa.com
Photography by Kyle Neumann
CK Sports Consulting guides high school athletes to their dream of playing their sport in college. CKSC works one-on-one with the student-athlete. They diligently consider all facets of each individual to find their best fit. CKSC helps with all things recruiting, offering guidance on curating “The List,” building resumes, creating films, class selection, communication, choosing clinics, and helping manage all the demands of being a student-athlete. Cksportsconsulting.com
SERVING UP AUTHENTIC AMERICAN CUISINE WITH A SOPHISTICATED VIBE
ARTICLE BY SARAH STABILE-MOTTATracing back to 1875 as a Ridgefield country inn, The Benjamin Restaurant pays tribute by blending colonial heritage with modern sophistication. The chic interior artfully combines old-school charm with a contemporary edge. The Warhol-style art featuring Benjamin Franklin serves as a striking focal point against the backdrop of natural woods and stone.
BJ Lawless, Rob Moss, and Dave Studwell (who also own Washington Prime and BJ Ryan’s Restaurants in Norwalk) are seasoned restaurateurs. They were charmed by the location at 20 West Lane, its historical significance, and the indoor/outdoor versatility it offered. Their vision was to establish a uniquely renovated setting with a consistent menu across the entire space.
Lawless stated, "As we near our first anniversary, we’re transitioning to offer accessible, affordable, and delicious American cuisine, ideal for families and friends to gather and dine more frequently together."
The bar exudes old-world charm with a captivating cocktail and mocktail menu, perfect for enjoying drinks before dinner or gathering with friends at a nearby high-top table for a casual dining experience. Two of the most sought-after drinks are The Printing Press, crafted with Aviation Gin, Campari, Carpano Antica, and Ancho Chili Reyes, and Polly’s Garden, a refreshing mix of Basil Infused Vodka and Fresh Lime Cordial.
The bar flows into the main dining area with beautiful floral blooms adorning the banquets. Unique signature dishes like the Olive Oil Poached Halibut, Roasted Half Chicken and The Benjamin Burger stand out, alongside: Grilled Marinated Flat Iron Steak, and Pan Roasted Branzino. Lighter shareable plates such as Bombas Fritters, Deviled Eggs, Tuna Tartare and Copps Island Oysters do not disappoint.
The spacious upstairs area welcomes diners to indulge in wines from diverse regions, stored in a temperature-controlled glass room. Whereas, al fresco dining on the patio offers a peaceful escape, surrounded by fragrant rose bushes, honeysuckle, and fresh herbs. Moreover, there's an Arbor beautifully arranged for both Summer and Fall weddings.
Warning: Do NOT skip the warm bread service or dessert! Do yourself a favor and order the Rhubarb Cheesecake with whipped ganache and graham cracker streusel; Chocolate Tart with caramelia mousse and the Mille-Feuille (aka Napoleon) with chocolate sauce.
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Photo provided by The Benjamin
Ingredients:
• 4 Branzino filets (5 - 6 oz each), pat dry
• 2T Canola oil
• Salt (as desired)
Directions:
1. In a large saute pan heat oil on medium heat
2. Season your fish with the desired amount of salt
3. Gently lay the fish filets in saute pan and reduce heat slightly
4. The filets will curl. Press lightly with your fish spatula, remove from pan and place fish in a baking sheet at 375 degree (pre-heated oven) for about 4 - 6 minutes
5. When your fish flesh is barely pink, remove from the oven and flip the fish skin side up in the saute pan and let sit for 5 seconds. Remove from the pan.
6. To ensure you’ve cooked the fish all the way, poke a thin skewer and if there’s no resistance it’s definitely cooked.
Asparagus puree:
• 1 bunch of asparagus
• 1 cup spinach
• 1T extra virgin olive oil
• 1T butter
Directions:
1. 1 pot of salted boiling water
2. Blanch asparagus and spinach until very tender in salted water
3. Blend asparagus, olive oil and butter until smooth
Photography by Annamari Mikkola
Steel Cut Oat Risotto:
• 1 cup of steel cut oats
• 8 ea button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 shallot, small/minced
• 2T canola oil
• 2T olive oil
• 2T white wine
• 1 quart vegetable broth/chicken broth
-OR- fish broth
• 1T butter
• 2T parmesan cheese
• 2T fines herbs chopped
• 1 lemon juiced
• 8 ea asparagus, cut into ½” pieces, blanched, chilled
Directions:
1. Roast mushrooms in saute pan with canola oil until golden brown
2. Saute shallot in olive oil
3. Add in oats to saute pan with shallot and parch for 3 minutes
4. Add in white wine and reduce for 30 seconds
5. Add in stock in 3 stages bringing to a simmer and stirring occasionally until oats are cooked (~40 minutes)
6. Add in blanched asparagus and mushrooms
7. Finish with butter, parmesan, lemon and herbs. Gently mix until incorporated.
Plating tips: Add a spoonful of asparagus puree in the middle of the plate followed by 2 generous scoops of risotto. Place the Branzino filet on top and garnish with Chervil/parsley.
A JOURNEY BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
ARTICLE BY MICHAEL MCGUIRKa
Ridgefield is quite a special place. Oddly enough, when my wife Amanda and I arrived here, we did not know much about this town or all it had to offer. Usually, people research the place that they are moving to. That is the normal thing to do. But not us. We were so happy and lucky to find a home that we plopped down with our two rescues, Hattie and Lucy, and navigated our way around being first-time homeowners. We were aided in no small part by the nicest and most helpful neighbors who would say to us, "Just wait until things start to open back up, and you will really see what Ridgefield is all about."
Frankly, I was just happy to be surrounded by so many places to get a really good slice of pizza, and I couldn't imagine things being better than that. Slowly, though, over the next few months, as this town started to come alive again, we realized we were smack dab in the middle of a vibrant, happening art scene. There were restaurants we could not wait to return to, edge of our seat live theatre we were seeing, music coming from the center of town, and familiar faces that we would bump into as we walked on Main Street or around Copps Hill. One thing after another was coming our way, and we were taking it all in. Most
What I love about the Ridgefield Chamber is its primary goal of helping businesses thrive.
importantly, we were experiencing what we realized was the essence of this town - a strong sense of a prideful community. Before we knew it, we were happily an active part of it, quickly learning through the experiences we were having and the friends we were making just how magical this town is and how lucky we were to be living here.
Community pride. If there is one thing that I learned early on, it is that Ridgefield is overflowing with it. Everyone seemed to be involved in something to make this town even better or elevate it in some way. There are charitable organizations, nonprofits, boards & committees to be a part of and numerous ways to give back. Being that I felt so lucky to be here, I wanted to do the same thing—I wanted to be involved.
Through a chance encounter with Daniel Levine, whom I had known from
the city years before, I was asked to be in a show here. Being on the stage was something I had left behind over 10 years agolong before I moved to Connecticut. Plus, I was working as a full-time real estate agent, so I did not have time for this. Then I remembered something my Mom used to say - "If you know that you do something that can positively affect people, then you need to be doing it." So I said yes and started singing as I mowed the lawn to get my voice back in shape, much to the amusement of the kids next door, and was soon on ACT of CT's stage in their production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" and having an absolute blast!
But I needed to do more. My wife was busy as a makeup artist here, juggling her time on TV sets, weddings, photoshoots, and everything in between. Also, getting involved is an integral part of life. Yes, it
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is a way to give back, but by meeting more people, you will make this great big world of ours just a little smaller. Moving to a new town, changing careers, and not knowing anyone made me realize that if my wife and I wanted to make Ridgefield our home, we would need to become active in the community. We needed to give back to this town that had given us the life we did not realize we were missing.
Soon after we moved here, I was asked to join the board of The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce. Growing up in Chatham, NJ, my father was a small business owner for over 50 years. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce in my hometown, and I knew how important this group could be for businesses and the town as a whole, so I jumped at the opportunity.
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And it is pretty magical to know you are one small part of that.
What I love about the Ridgefield Chamber is its primary goal of helping businesses thrive. We have one of the most beautiful Main Streets in Connecticut. There are businesses lining it that stretch all the way down to both Copps Hill and Branchville, but the businesses in Ridgefield stretch much further especially today. As I tell people, The Chamber advocates for all local businesses and nonprofits and promotes their economic well-being, which in turn benefits the community and helps build on that community pride.
The recently revamped and userfriendly, Ridgefieldchamber.org is a onestop destination for shopping, dining, arts & culture, environment & outdoor activities, profiles on community members' success stories, and most importantly, features on Ridgefield's unique character. There is also the E-gift card program, which has been extremely popular. The cards are easy to give as a gift or even to your kids so they have spending money when they go to town. Best of all, it helps support our wonderful business community by directly benefiting the local economy.
It is inspiring to see firsthand the excitement that Ridgefield businesses have, whether they are just starting out or have been around for a while and want to join. It is amazing what a giant pair of scissors cutting a green ribbon, a big social media blast to the area, and an entire community behind them cheering on their success can do.
I said it at the beginning - Ridgefield is special. After moving here, you soon realize that not only the people who live here think that but also people who know this town. Next time someone asks where you live, watch how they react when you say “Ridgefield”. You can see them get transported there - reliving a memory. It could be a show, a meal, a concert, or a favorite store. This town affects people. And it is pretty magical to know you are one small part of that.
Michael McGuirk is a licensed real estate agent with William Pitt Sotheby's. He is the President of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, an active member of The Ridgefield Lions Club, and a local emcee for charity events in the area. You can keep up with him @mcguirk.realestate
• Get unstuck
• Let go of stress and anxiety
• Reconnect with your peace, purpose and path
People in town - particularly in Ridgebury - are all abuzz about a new cafe coming to the neighborhood. Named Sunrise Cafe, the eatery and coffee shop will make its home inside Meetinghouse, a vibrant and inclusive community organization and meeting space for locals. Sunrise Cafe is the second Ridgefield venture from beloved Wooster Hollow Cafe owner Ron Herman, and all of its proceeds will be donated to local charities.
A resident of Fairfield and a passionate member of both the Ridgefield and Fairfield communities, Ron’s thriving career as a local restaurateur is actually his second act. His first (and last) corporate job was with General Electric (GE), where he retired as CEO of GE Capital’s Middle East business. He opened Wooster Hollow in December of 2014 and the Cafe will celebrate 10 years in business this year.
We spoke with Ron recently about his passions, what’s next, and what he loves about Ridgefield and Fairfield.
CL: WHAT DROVE YOU TO SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP, PARTICULARLY IN THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE SPACE?
RH: I did a lot of soul searching and prayer to determine my purpose in the second phase of life, and what I found was that I was driven to own small businesses and give good jobs to my team. Good jobs create independence and self-reliance for people, and I feel that is significant. In addition to Sunrise Cafe, which opens in May, and Wooster Hollow Diner, I own CT CRAB CO, a gourmet crab cake manufacturer; Corales 40, a Dominican Republic-based hospitality company; Sunrise Investment Group, a private equity firm consulting group; and Sunrise Real Estate Holding, which owns commercial real estate.
“I have a belief that we are nothing without our customers, and our purpose is to serve them.”
CL: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO OPEN EATERIES IN RIDGEFIELD, AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY?
RH: At first, I simply liked the location of what was previously known as Wooster Hollow Diner, Deli & Pizza along Route 7, which is a busy corridor. In my research, I had also learned that delis and diners typically have greater longevity than other types of restaurants, so this was a win-win. In 10 years of working in the Ridgefield community, I’ve come to love so much more about it - from walking along historic Main Street to picking up a box of Deborah Ann’s milk chocolates for my wife. They’re her favorite. But I’ve loved the Ridgefield community for a long time. My wife and I married at St. Mary’s over 30 years ago, and this town has so many magical qualities: its historic streets, the arts, the music, the Prospector Theatre, and most of all - an accepting and giving community spirit.
CL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR LIFE IN FAIRFIELD.
RH: We settled in Fairfield in 1998 while I worked for GE, purchased an old home and have restored it over the years. I love walking around the village of Southport or along one of our five beaches. My wife, Kathryn, owns Kathryn Herman Design, a landscape design business. She’s created lovely gardens on the property, which we open often for tours and charity events.
CL: YOUR BUSINESSES ARE VERY PURPOSEDRIVEN. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT?
RH: I have a belief that we are nothing without our customers, and our purpose is to serve them. At Wooster Hollow, we have partnered with Ability Beyond for a number of years to
employ young adults with special abilities. Sunrise Cafe will also have a higher purpose.
CL: TELL US ABOUT MEETINGHOUSE LIFE AND YOUR INVOLVEMENT THERE.
RH: I am excited to be opening the Sunrise Cafe at the Meetinghouse in Ridgebury this May. Last year, I got involved with the Meetinghouse community center because of my belief in the importance of creating safe places to gather and grow as friends and neighbors. As the reconstruction progressed, it became clear that the Meetinghouse was the perfect location for a coffeehouse with a higher purpose.
The Sunrise Cafe will be open every day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will serve coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, soups and salads. The team from Wooster Hollow Cafe will manage the Cafe with the same focus on excellent food and friendly service. We will donate all profits from Sunrise Cafe to local charities. This will be our higher purpose!
CL: ONE LAST QUESTION! HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE NAME “SUNRISE CAFE”?
RH: One of my favorite expressions is, “The sun is coming up tomorrow.” I use it to console those who are sad, stressed, anxious or troubled. Knowing that no problem or issue will cause the sun not to come up helps put things into perspective. So far, I have always been right with my prediction! Most days, I get up early to watch the sunrise. Each sunrise brings a new day and, with that, an opportunity for us to start over and do good in the world. That is why we have picked the name Sunrise Cafe.
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT
CREATIVE SERVICES
not your average stone supplier.
is true art and soul behind this special local business. Fabiano shares their inspiring story.
I am also thankful to the town of Ridgefield for embracing us, providing support, and fostering lasting friendships.
Q: Tell our readers a little about yourself and your connection to the community.
A: I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and faced adversity early in life when my father passed away, leaving my mother to raise four sons on her own. From a young age, we all had to pitch in and work hard to support our family. At 15, I took a leap of faith and moved to Connecticut, alone, to live with my uncle, seeking better opportunities for my future. Shortly after, my older brother Adriano joined me, and together, we embarked on our journey toward the American dream. I am deeply grateful to my resilient mother, who now rests in heaven, for her strength and sacrifices, raising us from afar despite the challenges. My uncle's unwavering support and guidance were instrumental in our transition, and I am forever indebted to him. Most importantly, I owe a debt of gratitude to my brother, who has been my rock, my mentor, and my business partner. His
companionship, guidance, and unwavering support have shaped my path in immeasurable ways. I am also thankful to the town of Ridgefield for embracing us, providing support, and fostering lasting friendships. Being part of this community is an honor that I cherish deeply, and the relationships forged here will always hold a special place in my heart.
Q: Describe Venezia Marble and how your family business started.
A: I've worked in sales across different industries, but it was the stone business that captured my heart. When I discovered that many of these beautiful stones came from Brazil, with its rich mineral resources and exotic stones, I felt a deep connection and opened my store to showcase the beauty of these natural wonders. Inspired by the timeless craftsmanship of Italian artisans, I named the store Venezia, envisioning a space where stone could be transformed into
breathtaking works of art. At first, Venezia was just a retail shop, and I had to hire others to handle the stonework. But then, I invited my brother Adriano to join me. With his expertise in craftsmanship and construction, together we became known as the Stone Brothers. While I focused on sales and running the office, Adriano handled the making and installing of our products with his talents and meticulous crafting. Now, after 16 years in Ridgefield, Venezia Marble & Granite stands as a testament to our hard work and love for what we do. We're grateful for the chance to share our passion for stone with our community every day.
A: Our specialty is to fabricate and install custom stone surfaces. We deliver premium craftsmanship and personalized service to each client. With a diverse collection of hand-selected stones in stock, we offer options to suit every taste and budget. Clients are encouraged to take home samples and meet with our knowledgeable team to shape their vision and address any inquiries they may have. What sets us apart is our passion for what we do! We put our heart into every job and commit to delivering the best to every client.
Being able to do what we love with the people we care about most makes every day meaningful and satisfying.
Q: Can you explain the process from when a customer comes in to choose stone for their project through the installation?
A: Our process is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable for our customers. It all starts with our initial meeting, where we request a drawing of the project along with measurements. This helps us calculate the total square footage needed. Then comes the exciting part – selecting the material. Once we have all the details and the quote is approved, we schedule a template date. During this step, we visit the client's home to take precise measurements. With the template in hand, we invite our clients
to our shop for the slab approval process. Here, they have the opportunity to choose the specific parts of the stone they want to see on their countertops. Once everything is approved, it's time for fabrication! Our expert team gets to work transforming the selected material into a stunning piece of art. When fabrication is complete, it's finally time for installation. Our installation team arrives at the client's house on the scheduled date to complete the job. Additionally, we offer post-care services to ensure continued satisfaction. As part of our commitment to quality, all of our installations include a sealing application for added durability and protection.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Ridgefield whenever you have free time?
A: I really like spending time in Ridgefield. There's so much to do! I enjoy watching shows at the Ridgefield Playhouse and seeing movies at Prospect Theater. I also try to go to business events organized by the Chamber when I can. They're great for learning new things and meeting people. My kids love the summer fest in July and the Christmas stroll in December. It's fun for the whole family!
Q: What do you find most rewarding operating your family business?
A: It feels really good to watch our business grow and change over time, knowing that we're a big part of its success and making a lasting mark for our family. We're happy to run our business in a way that matches with what we believe in and care about. One of the best parts is seeing our team learn new things and become better at what they do. We're grateful for each and every one of them. Working with family and our dedicated coworkers who share our passion for doing great work is really special. We support each other, celebrate our wins, and help each other out when things get tough. Our team is like one big family, and we all feel valued and motivated to do our best. Being able to do what we love with the people we care about most makes every day meaningful and satisfying. Overall, running a family business is rewarding because we get to build something special with the people we love while making a positive difference in our community.
Venezia Marble Showroom
197 Ethan Allen Hwy Ridgefield, CT, 06877 veneziamarble.com
Are you looking for help booking your next trip? We can help with that!
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JUNE 1ST - 16TH
Kinky Boots
ACT of CT | Thursday at 7pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, Sunday at 2pm
This huge-hearted award winning Broadway hit features a score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and tells the story of two people with nothing in common. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learns to embrace their differences and finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible. For ages 10 and up. actofct.org
JUNE 1ST
Saturday Shop Runs
Ridgefield Running Company | 7:00 AM
All paces are welcome. 7AM Main Run or 7:15 AM Guided Interval Run. Visit ridgefieldrunning.com on Fridays for the weekly route. The Guided Interval Run is a workout guided by a representative from RRC, featuring walkrun intervals. Perfect for beginners and those coming back from injury.
JUNE 1ST
Jesse Lee Church | 10:00 AM
Featuring a curated selection of some of the best growers and makers around. Every other Saturday come find organic farm fresh produce, baked goods, and specialty items alongside family activities and live music on beautiful, historic Main Street. Visit ridgefieldfarmersmarket.org for more information
