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But then I took a minute to think about Fall and came to the realization that this is my favorite time of the year here in Connecticut.
For me, October means many things …. college football on Saturdays (go Raiders, Buckeyes and Gators!), the NFL (on just about every day of the week now), the World Series (when my team used to be in it every year), the turning of the leaves, the chill in the air, apple cider donuts, sipping an Old Fashioned by a fire pit, and of course Halloween. There is also nothing better for our physical and mental well-being than to be in nature in the crisp air of a Connecticut Fall day.
October also brings back memories of my childhood in Bayside, New York … trick or treating, pumpkin picking upstate and on Long Island, and helping my mom bake fresh apple cake. Those memories can be incredibly powerful and comforting.
In this, our Food and Drink issue, we talked with Bill Deutsch, the man behind Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, a Stamford-based company with a prestigious roster of internationally renowned and award-winning brands – many which you consume and love without knowing they are headquartered in your city. We will also transport you to Albania – well not really, but close – showcasing the interior design of one of the most unique restaurants in Fairfield County (the food is darn good too!). How cool is it that Guy Fieri made a pitstop at The Stamford Diner?
So, enjoy the change of seasons and take in the gorgeous foliage that makes this part of the country so special!
October 2023
PUBLISHER
Marty Shapiro | Marty.Shapiro@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Laurie A. Guzda | laurie.guzda@citylifestyle.com
MARKET AREA COORDINATOR
PJ Kennedy | pj.kennedy@citylifestyle.com
AREA ADMINISTRATORS
Todd Kosakowski, Mia Schipani
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sarah Bamford, Chelsea Schwerzler
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Angela Strassheim, PJ Kennedy
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
Proverbs 3:5-6
COLUMBUS PARK, appetizers, homemade pastas, fresh fish and great wine list. A fun and fashionable location where the food and sevice are exceptional.
COLUMBUS PARK, centrally located in downtown Stamford, boasts of its extraordinary appetizers, homemade pastas, fresh fish and great wine list. A fun and fashionable location where the food and sevice are exceptional.
COLUMBUS PARK'S small-to-medium sized private parties such as corporate affairs, rehearsal dinners and family events. Columbus Park Trattoria will help to make your party unforgettable at a cost which is surprisingly affordable.
COLUMBUS PARK'S private dining room can accommodate 64 people. Specializing in small-to-medium sized private parties such as corporate affairs, rehearsal dinners and family events. Columbus Park Trattoria will help to make your party unforgettable at a cost which is surprisingly affordable.
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
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At Noches de Colombia, the scent of creamy garlic-butter sauces and sweet plantains fill the air creating an authentic Colombian experience in Stamford. Each dish is served with a special garnish to satisfy the memory of mom’s homemade Colombian food. Noches de Colombia is now a staple in Stamford, attracting individuals, couples and families looking for a comfortable environment and excellent Colombian cuisine in the downtown dining district. 84 West Park Place in Stamford Downtown.
Longford’s Small Batch Ice Cream, founded in 1992 in Port Chester, moved to Stamford in 2017 into a new, larger, and improved ice cream kitchen in the Waterside district. A household name in Westchester and Fairfield County, Longford’s has retail shops in Rye and Larchmont, a factory outlet on Fairfield Avenue in Stamford, and has ice cream trucks, trailers and carts that can be booked for parties. Visit longfordsicecream.com to book for your next event.
Leland Avellino is the pit boss behind Avellino Family Barbecue, which started in his driveway during the peak of the pandemic. Avellino’s smallbatch barbecue starts with the highest quality meats, oak, and cherry wood. The quality has made a name for itself. Catch Leland’s pulled pork, brisket, pork belly, Dry Aged Prime burgers and more from their food truck, right off the smoker. Visit avellinofamilybbq.com or Instagram @avellinofamilybbq to find their next pop up.
Get
Make your way down Summer Street, cross Main Street and find yourself in what feels like an alleyway. There you will find one of the best kept secrets in Stamford, Çka ka Qëllu (pronounced SHKA-ka kwill-OO).
This Albanian entry into the Stamford restaurant scene opened in late 2021 and is one of three restaurants by the same name owned by Kosovo native, Ramiz Kukaj.
Kukaj, who immigrated to the United States 28 years ago, wanted to introduce his culture to the people of Stamford, a city he says, “reminds me of Europe”. The low buildings in Stamford felt like home, a mini-Europe. Çka ka Qëllu’s exterior and interior design will transport you straight to Albania.
Designed by Kukaj himself, this restaurant boasts a main dining room, an upstairs balcony
seating area, a beautiful outdoor patio and a gorgeous bar that seats five. When you enter the restaurant, you are struck by the stone walls, arched doorways, massive wooden doors, wood beam ceilings, wrought iron railings, chandeliers and old-world artwork dotting the walls.
Kukaj describes Çka ka Qëllu as “not just a restaurant, but also a museum”. There is art and artifacts in glass display cases from the Balkans throughout the restaurant found by Kukaj at antique markets in Albania. Kukaj said, “I left my country when it was burning, left behind dreams. I wanted to bring back objects which survived, bring back my memories.”
If you are looking for a unique dining setting in Stamford, Çka ka Qëllu will not disappoint.
Style is a very personal thing and it's ultimately all about feeling good in what you wear!
As a working mom of three small children (6, 3.5, and 1-year-old), I'd say my style changes a little bit each day depending on how I'm feeling and what I have going on. Some days I love wearing a dress, other days leggings and sneakers make me feel most comfortable. I always make sure to add a little something to make me feel "put together". A cute headband or hat (I love Hat Attack), some mascara, and a stack of bracelets (I love mine from Stamfordbased Letter Story Bracelets) always do the trick! Feeling put together in my style is definitely something I learned from my mom who always left the house looking absolutely beautiful. We lost her recently, but I will carry her style inspiration with me always. Regarding my children's style, my 6-yearold and 3.5-year-old are definitely developing their own little styles and it's fun to watch!
For date night, Farmhouse at the Crossroads and Prime are our favorite go-to’s. When it comes to eating out as a family for breakfast, we love the pancakes at Lakeside Diner. For coffee and avocado toast, Modern Love Coffee is our best choice. Brunch as a family means we are heading to The Taco Project. And, for lunch or dinner, you can find us at Fed Truck or Coalhouse Pizza, they not only have something we all like but they are also laid back and welcoming for families with young children!
To maximize your workout make sure that you properly hydrate.
Drink consistently throughout the day. It’s always best to be consistent rather than chugging water before or after your workout. The recommended daily water intake is 1/2 your body weight (ex 160 lb person should be drinking 80 oz water daily).
It’s not just how much you are drinking it’s what you are drinking. Add some lemon or your favorite fruit, maybe throw in a liquid IV or LMNT to add electrolytes.
When working out, we lose water and salt. By not replenishing, the side effects can be muscle fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. In addition, the workouts we do will not be as effective if we aren’t properly hydrated. Drink water!
Chelsea Schwerzler is an indoor cycling instructor at CycleBar Stamford.
The Food Network’s Guy Fieri drove into Stamford in his red 1968 Chevy Camaro to tape episodes of “Diners, DriveIns and Dives” at three local restaurants – Stamford Diner, Kouzina and Corbo’s Southside Deli. It's pretty impressive that three Stamford eateries made the cut from over one hundred considered tri-state restaurants!
The first episode to air was Stamford Diner, located just off I-95 on Harvard Avenue in the Waterside District. According to general manager Laura O’Brien (who began working in that location in 2002 when it was City Limits, she stayed on when restaurateur Ari Thanos bought the diner in 2017 and changed it to The Stamford Diner), the show looks for restaurants with diverse menus with broad appeal that are also family friendly.
So, what comfort food dishes were featured from the vast Stamford Diner menu? Matzoh ball soup and the hot open turkey sandwich! Guy has not featured Matzoh ball soup on his show since 2019 but knew Stamford Diner’s was a showstopper. According to O’Brien, throughout the taping, Fieri referred to the turkey sandwich as “Thanksgiving anytime”.
The segment was shot over a 2-day period. Day one, which lasted 8 hours, consisted of pre-and post-production filming and interviews with customers. Day two was filming in the kitchen and the production of the dishes, which took 5 hours.
Laura was told that if Guy eats more than 2 bites, he really likes the dish. He ate it all!
“For a restaurant to even be considered for this show is exciting. To be selected is an over-the-top, once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“What you see on television is what you get from Guy Fieri, according to the team at Stamford Diner. He has a true love of food, is genuine, sincere and has a great sense of humor.”
Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits started as a family-owned business created to work with other family-owned and people-oriented businesses. We have always focused on developing strong, long-term relationships with all our partners. This vision continues today more than 43 years later. Our family-to-family approach allows us to make decisions quickly and fosters close connections with our employees. Our employees have significant visibility and involvement in our organization's success.
As Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits continues to grow, we remain deeply rooted in our original family values like teamwork, passion for results, and cultivation of talent. Our company values hold great significance for us as they remind employees to support one another, aspire to make a meaningful difference in the business every day, and most importantly, help ensure employees feel fulfilled in their roles.
Giving back to the community is important to us, and we generally select charity
partners that relate to our community, our industry or our brands. Over the years, we have supported local Stamford charities such as the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, the River House Adult Day Center, and most recently the Avon Theater Film Center. In May 2023, we also sponsored a company-wide service day and donated $200,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Napa Valley, which provides programs to more than 2,400 youth per day throughout Napa Valley. Supporting this community is especially important to us as many of the program attendees are the children of hospitality, winery, farmworkers, and agriculture workers – people who help make our industry what it is.
WHAT ARE THE HOTTEST TRENDS IN WINE? SPIRITS?
Tequila is booming, with consumers embracing it in cocktails or sipping neat or on the rocks. The tequila category in the U.S. reached nearly 29 million cases last year, doubling in size since 2015, according to Impact Databank. We added Cantera Negra tequila to our portfolio in 2022, which has helped us scale our luxury spirits business. Cantera Negra is delicious tequila that has no additives and currently includes Silver, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo, and Café.
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HOW IMPORTANT IS A BOTTLE/LABEL DESIGN FOR A WINE OR SPIRIT?
Our brand Gray Whale Gin exemplifies how crucial bottles and labels are for establishing a brand's personality and story. The aqua blue color of the bottle matches the water in Big Sur, California, where the brand founders, Jan and Marsh Mokhtari, were inspired to create the brand after seeing a majestic Gray Whale with her calf. Since inception, we donate 1% of Gray Whale Gin’s sales each year to environmental conservation organizations such as Oceana. The compelling brand story and distinctive bottle design are connecting with consumers and have set us apart from competitors.
Josh Cellars was created in 2005 by Joseph Carr as a tribute to his remarkable father, Josh. Since we acquired it in 2011, Josh Cellars has become one of the most valuable beverage alcohol brands in the U.S. and was named the 2021 American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast, a recognition of the brand’s remarkable achievements.
In honor of Josh Carr’s legacy, we have also donated more than $1.5 million to important humanitarian causes, such as American Humane’s Pups4Patriots program.
Consumers love the brand and have responded enthusiastically to our elegant bottle and appealing flavor profile based on ripe fruit and great balance.
We closely follow all guidelines issued by The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), an organization that outlines a clear responsibility code for marketing and advertising within the beverage alcohol industry. We ensure our advertising does not reach people under the legal drinking age. We also support responsible drinking beyond the DISCUS guidelines. For example, we always make sure to serve nonalcoholic options and plenty of food at all our events.
Many of our valued employees live in the Stamford area. As a family-owned business, our values -- which include a passion for results, teamwork, and cultivation of talent -- are integral parts of who we are as an organization. Our key to success is supporting not only our brands, but also our most important asset: our people. Everyone who works for us and with us is part of our Deutsch Family and shares in our company’s successes.
“Our key to success is supporting not only our brands, but also our most important asset: our people.”
B E L O N G
E N G A G E
L E A D
P R O S P E R
We were recently asked to suggest the Best Bourbon under $150 and as I reflected on my list of favorites, providing a single answer wasn’t as straightforward as it appeared.
Think of it like this. If we asked 100 people in our community what their favorite restaurant is—the answers would be varied based on the individual’s personal palate or even the moment you asked them in!
Here is our list of favorites that will have you covered at any price point and occasion.
Blanton’s is recognizable on sight due to the round bottle with a brass horse and jockey for a stopper. Taken from the center-cut or middle sections of the famous Warehouse H. The taste profile is sweet, with notes of citrus and oak. The creamy vanilla nose is teased with caramel and butterscotch, all underscored by familiar baking spices such as clove, nutmeg, or cinnamon.
— BlantonsBourbon.com ($100-$150)
In a sea of cask-strength offerings, Basil Hayden’s stays true to its 80 proof roots. The high rye content of its mash bill charges the nose and palate with notes of caraway and spice, while 10 years in the barrel have added leather and an attractive nuttiness. If you aren’t looking for high proof, this is a remarkable bourbon.
— BasilHaydens.com ($75-$100)
Pinhook pulls 150 barrels from a special lot to create this straight bourbon whiskey with a lively nose of butterscotch,
cinnamon stick, licorice, and vanilla. These aromas set the stage for a robust palate of cherry, chocolate, toasted brown sugar, and chicory. With the additional 5th year of age, what was tropical fruit transitions to darker fruit flavors and what was brighter candy is now rich and caramelized; hints of smoke now start to appear for the first time.
— PinhookBourbon.com ($75-$50)
Eagle Rare 10 Year lives somewhat in the shadow of its 17-yearold elder sibling, but don’t let that shy you away. This is a sweet and mellow bourbon with definite signs of maturity and its orange peel and toffee aromas are a little shy, but the palate serves sturdy sweet and spice notes and a toasty finish.
— EagleRare.com ($30-$50)
While others in Old Forester’s impressive lineup claim the hearts of bourbon geeks (such as the 1920 Prohibition Style), this bottle stands head and shoulders above everything at this proof and price point. It oozes aromatic charm and follows with a palate that is lithe but in no way lacking flavor.
— OldForester.com ($20-$30)
Sometimes you find a $20 laying around or just need a good mixing bourbon. Benchmark Old No. 8 is made at the same distillery as Blanton’s and the ever-coveted Pappy Van Winkle! The nose bears caramel notes with a delicate stone-fruit backdrop. A robust and sturdy palate with some fine leather notes mingling with dry tobacco, a touch of oak, and a hint of dried cherries. The finish is smooth and calming.
— BuffaloTraceDistillery.com (Under $20)
Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cureall, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with these simple recipes.
Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please. For simplicity, this can be made with a premade crust.
Crust:
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup iced cold water
Filling:
• 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Caramel sauce
• Optional: 1/4 chopped walnuts or pecans
Crust:
(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)
Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.
Filling:
Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.
Assemble and Bake:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice-cream.
This take on the classic grilled cheese is sure to satisfy your fall cravings. With the combined flavors of savory and sweet, it packs a punch for your taste buds.
• 1/4 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sliced sourdough bread
• 1-2 tablespoons butter
• 4 ounces Brie, sliced
• Fig jam, or preferred choice of jam
• 1 Granny smith apple, sliced
• Arugula
• Thinly sliced ham, optional
Heat olive oil in the skillet and add sliced onions. Cook for a few minutes and then add brown sugar. Sauté until soft. Set aside. Butter the outside of the sourdough bread. Next, spread jam on the inside of both slices. Add cheese, apples, onions and arugula. If using meat, add as well. Top with slice of bread and grill on skillet until both sides are toasted and cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!
This Indian-inspired dish is the perfect fall topping for pork chops and also pairs nicely with ham. This is so easy to make and will fill your kitchen with the aroma of fall.
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups Granny Smith apple, chopped
• ¼ cup pecans or walnuts
• 1/3 cup apple juice
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat butter in saucepan, then add remaining ingredients. Cook over medium heat until the sauce has cooked down and the apples are tender. Serve over pork chops. Enjoy!
We’re celebrating New England's most colorful season by bundling all the fun of a festival into a single admission price, three Sundays this Fall!
VISITS THE FARM
FACE PAINTING
LIVE CHILDREN'S MUSIC
SUNDAY FARM MARKET
CHILDREN'S CRAFT
LIVE ANIMALS & HECKSCHER FARM FRIENDS GAME ZONE
TODDLER PLAY SPACE
LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS
APPLE CIDER DEMOS
RACHEL SARD: INSOFAR EXHIBITION
PETUNIA'S PERK CAFÉ
POPCORN, CIDER & APPLES
APPLE SLINGSHOT
FERGUSON LIBRARY BOOKMOBILE
OCTOBER
15, 22 & 29
ALL-INCLUSIVE ENTRY FEE FROM 10 AM – 2 pM
STANDARD ADMISSION AFTER 2PM
We’ll open our site at 10:00 am with extra attractions and fun seasonal offerings for the whole family until 2:00 pm.
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
OCTOBER 1ST
Stamford Haunted Houses
VARIOUS | 12:00 AM
Founded in 2014, StamfordHauntedHouses.com is a simple and unique online haunted event & attraction resource created to make it easy to find Haunted House, Spook Walk, Corn Maze, and other Halloween Attractions in Stamford and surrounding areas throughout the month of October.
OCTOBER 8TH
Embrace Your Inner Goddess
1100 HIGH RIDGE ROAD |
3:00 PM
Harmony Yoga Studio welcomes the shift of the seasons as you Embrace Your Inner Goddess. In the company of like-minded women, stimulate and nurture body, mind and soul with a sweet afternoon of Ecstatic Yoga Dance, Guided Meditation, Sound Bath, Journaling, and more. Cost is $75. Visit Harmonyogastudio.com or call 203-962-4672.
OCTOBER 10TH
An Evening with David Sedaris
Scan
tickets! or visit stamfordmuseum.org/fest
Director’s Circle Members: FREE | Children 2 & under: FREE Family PLUS & PREMIUM: One FREE Preregistered Sunday Members: $12/person | Non-Members: $22/person ($25 for walk-ins)
For details or to purchase by phone call us at203.977.6521
| stamfordmuseum.org
THE PALACE THEATRE | 7:30 PM
Join best-selling author and NPR contributor David Sedaris for an unforgettable evening. Sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, Sedaris has become one of America’s preeminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.
encouraged
MIDORI, VIOLIN
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2023
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2023
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024
SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2024
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2024
OCTOBER 12TH
Oktoberfest
KNOBLOCH FARM 181 SCOFIELDTOWN ROAD |
5:30 PM
Drinks, music and treats celebrating autumn. Sponsored by the Stamford Chamber of Commerce. Tickets $55. 21 and over.
www.StamfordChamber.com
OCTOBER 12TH
Penn & Teller Present: The Foolers
THE PALACE THEATRE |
7:30 PM
The Foolers brings an evening of jaw-dropping illusions curated by Penn & Teller. Celebrating television’s #1 rated magic show, this interactive and irreverent evening presents The Fool Us alumni who share the distinction of being among the few who have impressed the pair with mystifying mind magic and hilarious comedic routines.
OCTOBER 14TH
LUCKYPAWLOOZA
MILL RIVER PARK | 11:00 AM
LUCKYPAWLOOZA presented by Magna Construction. Join fellow dog lovers on Saturday, Oct 14 (rain date Oct 21) for an exciting fundraising festival to help the dogs! Proceeds go to Lucky Dog Refuge and Mill River Park.
Want to be featured?
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/StamfordCT
David Sedaris is one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. He is a master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers.
Beloved for his personal essays and short stories, David Sedaris is the author of Barrel Fever, Holidays on Ice, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, and Calypso, which was a Washington Post Best Book of the Year. He is the author of Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary, a collection of fables with illustrations by Ian Falconer. He was also the editor of Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules: An Anthology of Outstanding Stories. His pieces regularly appear in The New Yorker and have twice been included in “The Best American Essays.” The first volume of his diaries Theft By Finding: Diaries (1977-2002) was a New York Times best-selling book as was A Carnival of Snackery, Diaries (20032020), and the audiobook was selected as part of Apple’s Best Audiobooks of the Year for 2021. His new book, Happy-Go-Lucky, debuted at number one on the New York Times best-seller list.
Sedaris has been nominated for five Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word and Best Comedy Album. He is a regular contributor to CBS Sunday Morning, and his Masterclass, David Sedaris Teaches Storytelling and Humor, was released.
There are over 16 million copies of his books in print and translated into 32 languages. He has been awarded the Terry Southern Prize for Humor, Thurber Prize for American Humor, Jonathan Swift International Literature Prize for Satire and Humor and Time 2001 Humorist of the Year Award. In 2020 the New York Public Library voted Me Talk Pretty One Day one of the 125 most important books of the last 125 years.
“Rather than admit defeat, I decided to change my goals.”
—David Sedaris