Posa Brings the Amalfi Coast to Ridgefield
LIFESTYLE LETTER
A Letter From the Publisher
Dear Reader,
Welcome fall! With the changing seasons comes a change in what we are craving, and with fall that often means comfort food. October is our most delectable issue of the year, filled with some of our favorite dishes and beverages around town. We had the pleasure of sitting down with the chef and owners of Posa Ristorante & Vineria, and learned all about their vibrant, always-fresh menu. So get your tastebuds ready, you are in for a treat. We also found out how to find your next favorite wine!
The smells of fall bring memories to my mind of sitting in my mom’s kitchen. The aroma of cinnamon, apple, pumpkin, chili, or soups of any kind brings me right back to her table.
There is definitely an art to creating a flavorful dish that not only satisfies our taste buds but evokes memories. The aroma of certain spices and foods can bring us right back to our childhood, which can be incredibly powerful and comforting. Food brings us all together, and whether we are sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.
As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around town!
BRUCE BERNSTEIN, PUBLISHER
@RIDGEFIELDLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Bruce Bernstein | bruce.bernstein@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kristy Jefferson | kristy.jefferson@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Pam Antonacchio | pam.antonacchio@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Kristy Jefferson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Dariusz Terepka Photography, Natasha Fleming Photography, New Light Creative Services
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
–Tom and Lisa Wroblewski
city scene
Chamber
Commerce
Touch-A-Truck Celebration
Ridgefield
of
Summerfest
at Lounsbury House 1: Charles Van de Merlen, Ralph Money and Evo Falcinelli 2: Katy Schermann and Bex Metsch 3: Brynn, Alyssa and CJ Buckheit 4: Cindy and Jim Barrezchia 5: Corrinne DiVestea and Rudy Marconi 6: RPD Officer Mike McKnight 7: Beau, John and Brady Brucato
DIANA DIVESTEA
DIANA DIVESTEA
DIANA DIVESTEA
DIANA DIVESTEA
DIANA DIVESTEA
DIANA DIVESTEA
DIANA DIVESTEA
The Ridgefield Playhouse Bernie Williams Day Event 8: Ashley Paltauf and Bernie Williams 9: BMW of Ridgefield 10: Bernie Williams, Jodi Simon Stewart and Jared Shahid 11: Bernie Williams The Ridgefield Playhouse Summer Fundraiser featuring The Goo Goo Dolls 12: The Goo Goo Dolls 13: Lori Berisford and Ashley Paltauf 14: Rudy Marconi, Ashley Paltauf, Michael Shinall, Allison Stockel and Barbara Manners
Dr.
Camie Cohen, MS, CCC-SLP csctalk2me@gmail.com (917) 582-4409 | cscpediatricspeech.com 100B Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT 06877
SPOTLIGHT
Plank Ridgefield
New Ridgefield Spot: Where Workouts, Childcare, Gourmet Bites, and Boutique Finds Collide! Westchester’s first yoga, barre, and Pilates studio, Plank, brings its boutique wellness experience to Ridgefield. Enjoy hot yoga, barre, Pilates, strength training, and fusion classes in a 2,000 sq.ft. wellness hub. The Ridgefield studio offers a children’s play area, small café with prepared meals from a local chef, and a retail section featuring Lululemon, Beyond Yoga, FP Movement, Varley, Splits59 and more. plankridgefield.com
Photography by Linda Murphy
Pop Art! Kids
Pop Art! Kids is a child-led environment where every station has intention and purpose. Sensory bins let little hands work on muscle control and motor skills. Scents and textures awaken multiple senses at once. Pop Art! Kids is focused on the joy of creating, sharing memories, and quality sensory experiences. Join us at Pop Art! Kids to share joy, make some mom friends, and get your hands dirty. I’ll clean up the mess! popart.kids
Scan to read more
The Cake Box
The Cake Box was opened in 2010 by Ridgefield native Jordan Gregory and her partner Robert Byrnes. Since then, the two have been committed to creating top-notch products and now cater to those with food sensitivities. The chocolate chip cookies have a loyal following and the new mini cakes are a big hit. Unique party supplies are also available in the Ridgefield store, and online ordering makes it easy! ctcakebox.com
Photography by Rosie Voulgaris
Photography by Jordan Gregory
ARTICLE BY KRISTY JEFFERSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARIUSZ TEREPKA PHOTOGRAPHY
to Ridgefield Posa Brings the Amalfi Coast
When picturing the Amalfi Coast, what might come to mind is clear, glittering waters, fragrant lemon trees, or classic Italian architecture. “Positano is one of the most beautiful places in the world,” says Ariane Carro, co-owner of Posa Ristorante and Vineria. “It’s a gem.”
And while it’s true that Danbury Road is far from the breathtaking cliffs of Positano, Ridgefielders can still get an authentic taste of the good life at Posa, where Chef Massimo Carro brings his years of experience and family recipes right to our backyard.
The story of Posa takes us across the globe, yet is somehow still classic Ridgefield. For 55 years Massimo’s family has owned hotels in Positano. Located on the coast and overlooking the water, the five-star Covo Dei Seraceni (covodeisaraceni.it ) is located in the house where his mother was raised, having been built up and expanded throughout the years, while Hotel L’Ancora ( hotelancorapositano. com ) boasts equally impressive views. Meanwhile, Massimo’s wife Ariane attended elementary and high school in Ridgefield, then found herself traveling abroad for work in publishing while based out of California. The couple met in Positano right after Massimo’s Ristorante Max ( ristorantemax.it ) opened in 1999, an absolutely stunning combination of precious art and refined cuisine that stays open April through October.
“September is my favorite time of year there,” says Ariane. “It’s gorgeous - the water is warm and beautiful - it’s just incredible how clear the water is, it's paradise.”
Tortello ripieno con ricotta di bufala campana - homemade pasta, tortello with ricotta and buffalo mozzarella from Campania
Millefoglie Prosciutto di Parma e burrata - Parmigiano Reggiano 36 month millefoglie, arugula, Prosciutto di Parma, heirloom tomato & Burrata
With no high school in Positano, Massimo and Ariane knew they would have to make a change for their four children when the time came. They chose Ridgefield “because it’s a family town,” Ariane told us. “I mean, that’s what we were looking for, a wonderful family town with a great school system.”
Posa opened its doors in 2019, after a total renovation complete with a stunning custom pizza oven delivered straight from Italy and squeezed through the double doors “within an inch,” laughs Ariane. “That’s not going anywhere.” With just under a year before the pandemic hit, Posa was faced with a challenge right from the start, but managed to ride it out like pros. “We kept our base.” says Ariane, “All of our kitchen staff we paid through covid, because they depend on it, and we really had some great clients who supported us.”
Massimo and Ariane bring a great energy and balance to their beautiful new space. She is quick to laugh, easy-going, and welcoming, while Massimo is passionate and laser-focused on delivering excellent, authentic cuisine. He is not just serving food, he is sharing with you his past, his home, and his family. If you sit at the bar, you’ll look directly into the kitchen, where an equally dedicated staff is working to realize this vision. Chef Mirko Satriano Casola recently moved here straight from working at Ristorante Max in Positano, while Chef Monica Ruggiano is from Napoli. Each member of the team shares an obvious love for the food and what it means to truly feed someone.
Tagliolini con scampi - House-made tagliolini, New Zealand langoustine and cherry tomato
Broccoli e salsiccia (left); Tradizionale san marzano e parmigiano (right); Montanara mortadella stracciatella e pistacchio del Bronte Sicialia, (middle)
Delizia al limone - Traditional Amalfi lemon cake
Massimo is not just serving food; he is sharing with you his past, his home, and his family.
And then, of course, there is the main event. The food itself.
“We try to keep it mostly from the Campania region, very authentic Italian, and they’re all recipes of his mother’s that go back decades,” says Ariane. “We try to incorporate seasonal as well, but there are a few dishes that we just don’t take out, and those are the same as what we do in Positano.”
The menu, which is not online because it changes frequently depending on what is fresh and in season, reads like an Italian love story for foodies. “Parmigiana di melanzane.” “Millefoglie Prosciutto e burrata.” “Branzino all’acqua pazza.” All of the bread and pasta is made fresh in house. All the ingredients are imported from Italy. And there is no butter. “I can’t think of one dish that uses butter,” Ariane tells us. “It’s not even on the line.”
There is an obvious attention and adherence to detail that makes Posa so special. “Our pizza dough is different from most restaurants in that we let it grow for 48 hours, so there’s very little yeast in it,” she says. “When we run out, which is rare but it happens every once in a while, that’s it. It’s not something we can whip up quickly.” The attentiveness extends to the authenticity of local cuisine. “Fior di Latte mozzarella from Italy comes three times a week for us. San Marzano tomatoes - everything is imported.
“Positano is one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
We do a lot of seafood, and a lot of specials. We try not to put too much fish on the menu so we can keep the variety of dishes fresh.”
While it might not have water views, the Carros were very insistent that whatever location they ended up in would have a patio. Sliding glass doors across the front of the entire restaurant allow an indoor-outdoor feel, weather permitting. With the area surrounding Posa quiet at night, diners have the patio to themselves, with plenty of parking and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Fridays and Saturdays the restaurant plays host to a Peruvian jazz guitarist who recently moved up from the city.
The common thread throughout all of it, whether we’re talking about Ristorante Max in Positano or Posa right down the street, is a celebration of all things local. The local cuisine and traditions of Positano that made their way to the roads of Ridgefield, the art that hangs on the wall of Posa from a local artist, the local clients who frequent the eateries in both countries - Massimo and Ariane offer a truly global to local experience that is like no other.
BAKER'S DOZEN
and Community
ARTICLE BY KRISTY JEFFERSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATASHA FLEMING PHOTOGRAPHY
One could argue that the origins of Fletch’s Bagels can be traced back to one nagging question - “where do we get our dozen?”
That question plagued owner Fletch Tison after moving back from Manhattan in the middle of the pandemic. Born and raised in Ridgefield, Tison had gotten used to his regular bagel
Fletch’s Bagels Serves Up Bagels, Bites,
“It’s a very familial vibe.”
fix and wasn’t ready to give it up. So he started experimenting on the weekends, getting tips and tricks from a favorite spot in Queens, and testing out his creations on family and friends for their feedback. “I had this idea in my head to be back in town where I grew up and be part of the community,” he says, “and kind of always fantasized about opening a bagel store.”
Within the span of about a year, Tison made that dream a reality. After leaving the corporate world, he converted their family’s basement into a kitchenette where all the mixing, rolling, and proofing happened. “Then I’d be up all night on Friday, Saturday, Sunday,” he adds. “I’d be up 24 hours, just mixing and proofing and baking until the
next day. It was a lot of work, and I was one hundred percent doing bagels. It’s crazy when I think about it now.”
He started the business completely online and on the weekends, and things grew fast. He eventually partnered up with Bob Sperry and Eddie Bistany from community mainstay Ridgefield Prime, who coordinated pickups out of their shop. “They have a lot of experience in the industry and they were likethis is great, let’s take this to the next level.”
The result is Tison’s dream shop, located in the former space of Gyro on Pita. It’s a bright, welcoming space with plenty of seating and plenty of offerings. For coffee, Tison has partnered since the beginning
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with local roaster Perkatory, whose cold brew, he tells us, is hard to keep in stock. His bagels, which initially sold out every day by noon, take top billing behind the counter with perfectly golden crusts hiding their soft, fluffy insides. In addition to standard flavors, “we’ve gotten really well known for doing something called Seeds and Salt,” Tison tells us, “which is sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and Maldon sea salt flakes.” This favorite can take the place of the Everything bagel for those who want to skip onion and garlic. Every morning, everything is made fresh in Fletch’s kitchen, including the cream cheese, to which he will add seasonal flavors like strawberry or maple bacon scallion.
Beyond the bagels, there is something for everyone. Their pastrami sandwiches “are the real deal,” one local customer told us. Lunch options include fresh corned beef, hot dogs and chicken tenders for the littles, and fresh salads made to order. “A lot of kids come in after school; a lot of older folks in town come to meet for coffee and stay for an hour and a half,” Tison says. “It’s a very familial vibe.” Almost everyone on the staff works in Ridgefield, and there are generations of neighbors, teachers, and friends who stop by on a regular basis. “We’re very fortunate,” he smiles. “I love it - my wife will come with my
“I had this idea in my head to be back in town where I grew up and be part of the community, and always fantasized about opening a bagel store.”
kids and I can jump out and sit down with them for five minutes. I never really thought about how great that would be.”
Being back in his hometown can be a real trip, like when he thinks about the fact that the 16-year-old son of a good childhood friend now works in the shop he owns. “When did that happen?!” he laughs. But it is also an experience that he is clearly relishing. “Everyone always asks me ‘what’s it like being back in Ridgefield?’ And I say - it’s a lot different and a lot the same. You know, it’s the same town, the same community vibe that was always there, just a lot more people. And when I say more people, I mean in a good way. There’s a lot more for the kids to do
from the time they’re tiny to high school. And for adults too.”
When we asked him to pick a favorite of all the new spots that have opened since he has been away, he had a hard time. “Ooh, it’s tough to pick a favorite,” he says. “I love taking my kids to the Prospector. I love taking my kids to Deborah Ann’s, and my daughter just had ACT camp and finished with Madagascar as a production. So it’s hard to pick one that’s a favorite.”
It is obvious when you walk into Fletch’s Bagels that Tison’s lived experience translates to - he really gets the town. There is something for everyone, served up in an environment that brings everyone together.
ARTICLE BY KRISTY JEFFERSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES
paula alonso SOMMLIKE: A Q&A WITH
RIDGEFIELD STARTUP HAS YOUR NEW FAVORITE WINE
In a town known for its dining options, nothing pairs better with Ridgefield's plethora of mouthwatering cuisine than the perfect wine. Ridgefield Lifestyle recently spoke with Paula Alonso, co-founder of SOMMLIKE, for a peek into how they are keeping it local.
I have seen firsthand the connection that develops between the guests and the wine expert as they pour and talk about the stories and process, as well as the elements (aroma, flavors) present in each pour. This connection is at the core of SOMMLIKE.
Tell us about Sommlike!
SOMMLIKE is a wine-tech startup proudly founded in our town of Ridgefield. Our journey began with a simple mission: to connect wine lovers with local sommeliers and wine experts. Through our community, customers get access to exclusive wine tastings and events, a group of passionate local somms and their curated collections all at an exceptional value, delivered right to their door.
What inspired you to start Sommlike and how is it influenced by Sunset Wine Party?
Sunset Wine Party is a grand wine tasting event, where wine experts pour different wine lineups at their tables. I have organized SWP since 2018 and have seen firsthand the connection that develops between the guests and the wine expert as they pour the wines and talk about the stories and the wine-making process, as well as the elements (aromas, flavors) present in each pour. This connection is at the core of SOMMLIKE.
How
long have you been in Ridgefield?
We moved to Ridgefield 12 years ago from Manhattan. We were looking for our first home and with Ridgefield it was love at first sight. We are happy to be raising our three boys here and look forward to spending the rest of our lives in this little corner of the world!
What do you think of the food scene in town? Favorite eateries?
I think Ridgefield is a fabulous foodie town! So many restaurants to visit, a few of my favorites are Posa (fantastic Chef-crafted menu, plus many of our Sommlike tastings take place right at their pizza bar!), Luc’s (eating there is a little escape to France), Gallo (easy, simple but always delicious Italian food) and for sushi night - Mannen. Beyond restaurants, Ridgefield enamors with art, theatre, concerts, nature, family life, and the most amazing community - it really has it all!
Time For Fall
Andrew Hopkinson of Fox Hill Luxury Real Estate Services Tells Us How To Prepare For Winter
ARTICLE BY KRISTY JEFFERSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATASHA FLEMING PHOTOGRAPHY
Andrew Hopkinson has seen it all. The owner of Fox Hill Luxury Real Estate Services has not only been doing the work of building and property management for decades, he also comes to the table with experience in law enforcement, counter-terrorism, and emergency management. What may seem like disparate fields mesh perfectly together when you are talking about safeguarding peoples’ homes and personal safety.
“That’s my secret sauce, my immediate response,” he tells us. “I responded to Ground Zero; I responded to Hurricane Katrina. So I know the true meaning of an emergency, but when someone’s A/C doesn’t work or there’s a leak - that’s an emergency to them , and that’s all that matters at that moment.”
He also knows that a quick response can mean the difference between a few thousand dollars of repairs or tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention the loss of personal items, keepsakes, and photos. His extensive Maritime background gives him the unique knowledge and skills needed to properly maintain and manage luxury homes along the coastal Long Island Sound Shoreline.
Waterfront homes have a different set of challenges, he tells us, and need special attention to be prepared to withstand Mother Nature’s wrath.
Hopkinson looms large as a presence, tall and sturdy, but with a peaceful and understated demeanor. “More than one client has told me I have a calming effect,” he says. He provides continuous maintenance and repair services to some of the largest homes in Fairfield County, but his home base, as well as where it all started, is right here in Ridgefield.
“One of my oldest clients is a Ridgefield estate,” he says fondly. “And when she renews her subscription I remind her that she’s my oldest client, and she loves that.” In true Ridgefield fashion, how she came to be his client says a lot about what sets him and his company apart. “A tree fell on her fence,” he tells us. “It damaged her fence and she has dogs and was worried they were going to get out.” So Hopkinson did what he does - he responded right away.
“I went over there and I had two guys with me and instead of selling her a new fence, I fixed the fence,” he explains. “We straightened it out and we got it working. So she was also my first review, kind of summing up what makes us different. I wasn’t looking to sell her a new fence. And we take that into every client. Whether it’s a $10 million house or a $500,000 house, my labor rates are the same.”
We asked Hopkinson what homeowners should be doing to ready their properties for winter, and he told us the importance of regular preventive maintenance on your home cannot be
“Hopkinson knows that a quick response can mean the difference between a few thousand dollars of repairs or tens of thousands of dollars of repairs.”
understated . While it’s important in the spring to get your home ready for the summer and all the lovely weather to come, it is even more important to get your home prepared for the winter as the consequences of not doing so can be very costly. Faulty, clogged gutters are the number one cause of water damage to a home , so it is important to clean them more than once in the fall. Turning off exterior water and blowing out water lines are also crucial to preventing costly plumbing repairs and water damage. It’s also never a bad time to get your air ducts cleaned out and sealed , which is something Fox Hill now has an entire division dedicated to. According to a study conducted by the EPA, 95% of homes have leaky ductwork and lose between 25% and 40% of the homes total heating
and cooling capacity, not to mention bringing unhealthy air into living spaces.
Hopkinson is not the only one with deep roots in the Ridgefield community, nor the only one to work with houses. His wife Meri Hopkinson has owned several stores in town throughout the years - Box and Crafts and Suburban Couture - and is a longtime real estate agent with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.
At Hopkinson's own home, a charming porch overlooks Fox Lake, and the front door leads right into the part of the house Hopkinson himself built years ago. The height markings of not only his own kids, but multiple childhood friends and family through the years, fill a rustic beam in the kitchen with pen, markers, and pencils. His daughter Emma now works with him in the family business, after loving her childhood in this house. “I loved it,” she said of growing up in Ridgefield. “There is nothing better. It’s just idealyou’re surrounded by smart, motivated people.” And thanks to the Hopkinsons - beautiful homes.
“I wasn’t looking to sell her a new fence. And we take that into every client. Whether it’s a $10 million house or a $500,000 house, my labor rates are the same.”
SER VI NG UP S OUP
CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
This hearty chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort food that is packed with nutritious goodness. This pairs perfectly with homemade beer bread or a sourdough loaf.
INGREDIENTS:
• 8 cups chicken broth (add more if desired)
• Whole fryer chicken, cut in chunks or shredded
• 5 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 carrots, sliced
• ½ onion diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• ¼ cup half and half (optional)
• 1 package egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
In a large stock pot, add 8 cups of chicken broth. Dice carrots, celery and onion and add to the broth. Bring to a boil, and reduce to medium heat until the vegetables are soft. In the meantime, skin and cube 1 whole fryer chicken and add to the stock pot. Next, add egg noodles (frozen Reames homemade egg noodles are my favorite) and let boil until noodles are cooked. Add butter, half and half, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low until ready to serve. Fall’s
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
OCTOBER 5TH
Route 7 Vintage
Enclave Anniversary
Bluebird Estate Sales, Vixen Hill
Vintage and Ridgefield Vintage & Coffee | 10:00 AM
Join us to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of being in our new enclave on Route 7! Enjoy live music, pop-up vendors, and delicious lobster from the LobsterCraft food truck, all while you wander around looking for treasures in Bluebird Consignments, Vixen Hill Vintage, and Ridgefield Vintage & Coffee. bluebirdestatesales. net ridgefieldvintage.com
OCTOBER 5TH
Ridgefield Farmers Market
Jesse Lee Church | 10:00 AM
Don’t miss one last chance to visit the Farmers Market this season! Featuring a curated selection of some of the best growers and makers around, you’ll find organic farm fresh produce, baked goods, and specialty items alongside family activities and live music on historic Main Street. Pack your picnic blanket and appetite - this is gonna be good. ridgefieldfarmersmarket.org
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OCTOBER 12TH
Fall in Love with Ridgefield
Main Street | 10:00 AM
Fall in love with Ridgefield all over again as the Chamber of Commerce presents a day of face painting, live music at Town Hall, window painting, a scarecrow contest, balloon animals, and more! 10am - 2pm in historic downtown Ridgefield.
OCTOBER 25TH
Ridgebury Farm Fall Festival
Ridgebury Farm and Stables | 4:00 PM
Ridgebury Farm and Stables is once again hosting their fabulous Fall Festival on October 25 from 4pm-7pm! This family-friendly event will feature fun seasonal music, pumpkin painting, corn pit play, tractor rides, food trucks, and more! We can’t wait to see you at the farm! ridgeburyfarm.com/ upcoming-events
OCTOBER 26TH
Ridgefield’s Halloween Walk
Main Street | 10:00 AM
The town fall favorite is back. Bring the kids to Ridgefield’s Annual Halloween Walk from 10am - 12pm on the 26th. Enjoy trick-or-treating and show off your Halloween costumes at the shops in Downtown Ridgefield!
