Pumpkin Recipes from Stamford’s
Nikki Glekas Collective
Letter from the Publisher
As the crisp air of autumn settles over Stamford, we welcome you to our October issue of Stamford City Lifestyle, where we celebrate one of the most universal joys that brings people together: Food and Drink.
This month, we invite you to explore the flavors that define our city—from cozy neighborhood cafés to innovative chefs redefining the local culinary scene. Stamford is rich with passionate food and beverage artisans, dynamic restaurateurs, and a vibrant cultural community that knows how to savor life … one bite and sip at a time.
Inside these pages, our dear friend, Nikki Glekas, will provide you with some seasonal recipes that will not only feed your appetite, but also bring the aroma of Fall into your kitchen.
When you think of Italy and its food and drink culture, it’s hard not to talk about olive oil and wine. SCL’s editor-in-chief, Laurie Guzda, recently traveled to Passo della Palomba, in the Umbria region of Italy. Here is the story of the area’s beauty, olive oil and wine. Closer to home at Giovanni’s at the Water’s Edge, wine is a big reason Stamfordites have been dining there for the past three decades. You will hear from owner Sal Latorraca about wine and the Giovanni wine dinner series.
And did you know that there is a connection between Stamford and the current face of the National Football League? If you are a fan of entrepreneurship, sports, or just a coffee lover, you will need to read the story of Throne SPORT COFFEE.
At Stamford City Lifestyle, we believe food is more than sustenance - it’s a language of community, creativity, and care. As you flip through this issue, I sincerely hope that you are inspired to taste something new, support local makers, and perhaps gather around a table with those you love.
So, let’s raise a glass of your favorite beverage, libation, etc. to a season of rich flavors, warm memories, and the stories that feed our souls.
MARTY SHAPIRO, PUBLISHER @STAMFORDCITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Marty Shapiro | Marty.Shapiro@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Laurie A. Guzda | laurie.guzda@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Eva Glassman
AREA COORDINATOR
PJ Kennedy
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Marty Shapiro, LA Guzda, Sarah Bamford, Dan Pachter, Nikki Glekas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jay Cohen, LA Guzda
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
3:5-6
avontheatre.org
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Community/business leaders at the SilverSource Inspiring Lives Luncheon. Bob Goldstein, Delia Ephron, Kathleen Bordelon 2: Grand Opening of Padel court outside Pickleball America at Stamford Town Center. 3: Silver source Luncheon: Joseph Armah, Tichianaa Armah, Donna Getreuer, Tom Getreuer. 4: Silver source Luncheon: Maureen Cacace, Ellen Bromley, Gail Hofmann. 5: Lorenzo Scorziello & Samir Muslim, proud recipients of the Tony Tedesco Memorial Scholarship Award. 6: Daniel Silva in conversation with John Breunig at the Ferguson LIbrary. 7: Banana and Cannoli eating contest winners at the Hey Stamford! Food Festival.
www.soudiaminidesign.com
business monthly
Eleven86 Real Artesian Water
The Fortt siblings of Stamford launched Eleven86 Real Artesian Water in Connecticut through KAO Distribution. Former Stamford High and NFL player Khairi, CFL player Omar, track star Anisa, and professional BKFC fighter Jafar serve as co-founders. Sourced from a protected Alabama aquifer, this ultra-premium artesian water sells at mainstream prices. Eleven86 is now available in eight Connecticut ShopRite stores and expanding, with plans for tri-state area growth in the near future. eleven86water.com
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Cornell University Veterinary Specialists
Currently, the Blood Bank at Cornell University Veterinary Specialists has over 40 donors. In the article on the Blood Bank in our August issue, we misquoted and said there are over 240 donors. Let’s get out there and donate to this amazing cause. To learn how you can help, go to cuvs.org
Harmony Yoga 5 Elements Fall Retreat
Relax, restore and LET IT BE with Mindful Movements, Guided Meditation, Sound Bath, Drumming Circle and Conscious Connections with certified yoga therapist (500-hr), Carol Shwidock. The event takes place at The Guest House Retreat Center in Chester, CT among the vibrant fall foliage. Friday, October 17Sunday, October 19. Harmonyogastudio.com or call 203-962-4672. SCL readers are welcome to enjoy a $50 discount.
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AN OLIVE OIL EXPERIENCE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURIE A. GUZDA
In the rolling green heart of Italy, where Umbria kisses the borders of Tuscany, Lazio, and Le Marche, lies a region blessed with fertile soil, a golden sun, and a proud tradition of winemaking and olive cultivation. Among its treasures, one name stands apart: Passo della Palomba .
Owners Alessandro and Claudia Gilotti have lovingly restored their historic estate with painstaking care, salvaging original materials to preserve the property’s soul while breathing new life into its walls. The result is a place
of rare beauty and authenticity—an enchanting setting where guests are welcomed to linger, explore, and stay. The estate’s name, Palomba (meaning “guinea fowl”), nods to the extraordinary autumn migration from Africa to Europe, which graces the skies each October.
An olive oil tasting at Passo della Palomba is far more than a lesson in terroir and technique—it’s a sensory awakening. Each pour offers a symphony of flavors: grassy freshness, peppery warmth, and delicate spice.
Here, you discover that olive oil is not just an ingredient, but an elixir capable of transforming the simplest dish into something unforgettable.
The estate’s excellence extends beyond olive oil. Two exquisite wines—a rich, velvety Merlot and an elegant, nuanced Pinot Noir—make choosing a favorite nearly impossible. Since 2022, Passo della Palomba has consistently earned Italy’s highest honors for agricultural excellence.
Their creativity continues in an array of luxurious products infused with their golden oil: the Crema Idratante Viso day and night face creams, the silken Olio Corpo body oil, and the dangerously decadent Evodark chocolate sauce, which ought to carry a warning label for its irresistible charm.
• Chi mangia bene, vive bene. (Those who eat well, live well.)
• Passo della Palomba is more than a destination—it is a love letter to the land, a place where time slows, flavors deepen, and beauty lingers in every corner.
• Visit passodellapalomba.com to taste, to dream, and perhaps to stay awhile. Because some places are not meant to be rushed… only savored
Passo della Palomba – Where expertise, environment, and passion unite to craft exceptional, award-winning olive oils.
ARTICLE BY MARTY SHAPIRO
CAFFEINE MEETS QUARTERBACK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY COHEN
Stamford's newest homegrown start-up: Throne SPORT COFFEE, the iced coffee brand that’s already making national headlines.
It’s not just caffeine fueling its rise. It’s NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, who is the brand’s lead investor and face of the brand. And behind the whole operation? Stamford native, Michael Fedele Jr.
Launched in May 2024, Throne SPORT COFFEE began in an office building on Buxton Farm Road, with a simple mission: make a ready-to-drink iced coffee that is designed for high-performers — from creatives to CEOs to quarterbacks.
“We wanted something that felt premium, but was actually built for people on the move,” said Fedele.
So how did Patrick Mahomes — a three-time Super Bowl MVP, a two-time NFL MVP, and arguably the face of modern football — get involved with a coffee company 1,400 miles from Kansas City?
One word: BELIEF. Belief in the product and belief in the team you are partnering with. Mahomes became a frequent coffee drinker during his rookie year in his NFL to keep from losing focus during long team meetings with the Kansas City Chiefs. As a football player, father of three and businessman, Mahomes runs on caffeine. However, he learned that the sweeteners he was putting in the coffee to help the taste could have a negative effect on his health and performance
Fast forward nearly eight years later, and now Mahomes is the lead investor and number two stakeholder behind Fedele.
“Patrick is very involved in what we’re doing here. He brings the same energy off the field as he does on it. He’s not just signing checks — he’s helping shape the next phase of the brand. Patrick is the face of Throne.”
With its roots firmly planted in Stamford and a bold vision for the future, this locally owned ready-to-drink iced coffee brand has grown from being carried in 3,500 stores to over 6,500 stores, including a recent national rollout at Whole Foods Market, including the store in Bulls Head in Stamford.
“We wanted something that felt premium, but was actually built for people on the move”
With its bold flavors, local roots, and the backing of a national celebrity, Throne SPORT COFFEE is redefining what it means to fuel up. Born in Stamford and built for those who grind—on the field, in the gym, or at the office—this locally owned brand blends performance with pride. As it gains national attention, one thing remains clear: Throne SPORT COFFEE isn’t just a drink, it’s a movement—and Stamford is where it all began.
Our Astronomy Center
WITH WEEKS
Members - Only COSMIC WELCOME OPEN HOUSE
The countdown is over. Prepare for launch!
SM&NC Members, drop by any time during regular hours up until 4:30 pm for a first look at our new Astronomy Center plus a sample Planetarium show! As always, Non-Members are welcome to enjoy our site via general admission, but only SM&NC Members may participate in this exclusive Astronomy Center sneak peek.
& We're unveiling our new Astronomy Center to the community on two special festival days that are bound to be out of this world!
Electrolytes
ARTICLE BY DAN PACHTER, EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST, @BODYBYPURE
The Secret to True Hydration
When most people think of hydration, they think “drink more water.” But water alone doesn’t hydrate— you need minerals (electrolytes). Without them, your body can’t use water effectively.
Each cell relies on a sodium-potassium pump to keep potassium higher inside the cell and sodium higher outside. Low sodium throws off this balance, causing the body to retain sodium, dump potassium, and ultimately dehydrate you. The result? Weakness, dizziness, and fatigue, since both minerals are vital for muscle and nerve function.
The fix: add minerals to your water. Avoid distilled water or bottled water in plastic, which can leach hormone-disrupting chemicals. Choose quality electrolyte powders (like LMNT) or natural options such as coconut water— similar to human plasma—while avoiding those with added sugars or low electrolyte content.
Contrary to popular belief, high blood pressure is often driven by excess insulin from refined carbs and sugar, not salt. High insulin signals your kidneys to retain sodium and fluids, raising blood volume and blood pressure.
Chef Ivan Romero
Building Community Through Food
At 39, Ivan Romero, executive chef and founder of The Rosemary Group, has built his culinary career around one simple yet powerful idea: food can bring people together. For Romero, every plate is an opportunity to connect communities, evoke memories, and make guests feel at home—whether they’re across the street or across the globe.
His signature dish, ROOTS, perfectly embodies that philosophy. The roasted salmon, paired with honey-lemon root vegetables and finished with a bright mango beurre blanc sauce, is a vibrant tribute to fresh flavors and cultural fusion. And when he’s off-duty? Romero can’t resist ordering tacos.
Deeply rooted in the Stamford community, Romero appreciates the way local businesses, organizations, and residents work in harmony to spark new ideas and host events. “I love the network,” he says. “Somehow all businesses and organizations are connected and always thinking of new events.” You’ll often find him at
neighborhood favorites like Bar Taco, Mecha, Cinco de Mayo, and La Frontera Taqueria, as well as supporting emerging small businesses.
For aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals, Romero offers practical advice: start by building a strong foundation. “Get yourself in a program that helps you create structure and acquire knowledge about the culinary world. The skills come with practice.”
Romero doesn’t just talk about lifting others up—he lives it. He teaches and mentors through free programs such as The Kitchen Accelerator from the Village Community Foundation, The Incubator Program from Building One Community, and cooking classes at the Ferguson Library. His own home kitchen at CoCREATE by GE serves as another hub for learning and collaboration.
From his innovative dishes to his dedication to education and community connection, Chef Ivan Romero continues to prove that food is more than sustenance— it’s a shared language that unites people.
ATTENTION WINE LOVERS
LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS AT THE WATERS EDGE AT GIOVANNI’S
ARTICLE BY MARTY SHAPIRO
JoAnn Latorraca’s father, Giovanni, started a wine cellar at The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s nearly 30 years ago. All of their wines are carefully selected by JoAnn’s husband, Sal Latorraca.
Sal understands that the perfect wine takes your meal to the next level. Whether you are an oenophile or just enjoy a great wine with dinner, The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s has an impressive wine selection.
In 2019, The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s started a series of dinners – a five-course chef curated menu paired with different wines from some of the top vineyards. Among their favorites, in which they have a close relationship, are: Brescome Barton and CDI. This creates an opportunity for The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s to connect directly with the winemakers themselves. It’s those relationships that provide unique, high-quality wines for their guests.
While The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s does not have a proprietary label, they do curate certain vintages and selections that you won’t easily find elsewhere in Stamford. Because of the close relationships with distributors and winemakers, they can bring in limited allocations — especially from Italy — that make their wine list feel truly special.
“We love all wine — each wine region around the world has something special to offer — but given our Italian heritage, we have a soft spot for European wines, especially Italian,” says Sal Latorraca. “There’s just something about the depth, tradition, and elegance of a well-made Brunello or a classic Italian red that speaks to us. At the restaurant, we keep a carefully curated selection of Italian wines so our guests can experience those same flavors and stories at their table.”
If you press Sal to divulge what wine he would recommend with The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s Certified Angus Beef, his response is, “Three of my favorites are
Belle Glos Pinot Noir, which has rich fruit and silky texture; Joseph Phelps Insignia, a bold, layered blend with incredible depth; and Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon, which delivers those classic dark fruit flavors and firm tannins that pair beautifully with a juicy cut of beef.”
And speaking of tannins, they are one of those things people notice in wine without always knowing what they are. They’re natural compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems — and we also get them from oak barrels during aging. In the glass, they give you that dry, slightly puckering sensation, especially in bold reds like Cabernet or Nebbiolo.
“From a restaurant perspective, they’re important because they add structure and help wines age gracefully. They also create balance — when tannins are in harmony with the fruit, acidity, and alcohol, the wine feels complete. Too much, and it’s harsh; too little, and it can taste flat,” according to Sal. “For guests who find tannins a little strong, we recommend pairing those wines with protein-rich dishes like a good steak or aged cheese — it softens the astringency and makes the wine shine. At the end of the day, tannins are part of what makes wine such a beautiful pairing experience.
They’re not something to fear — they’re something to work with.”
Family owned and operated since 1987, The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s is renowned for its Certified Angus Beef, select premium seafood, and Italian specialties. If you are looking for old world sophistication, high quality food, and a genuinely dazzling experience, look no further.
The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s is entering wine dinner season. If you are looking for an excellent culinary experience and want more information on how to reserve your spot for a future wine dinner, go to watersedgeatgiovannis.com
“We love all wine — each wine region around the world has something special to offer — but given our Italian heritage, we have a soft spot for European wines, especially Italian.”
PUMPKIN PLEASURES
From Harvest to Table: Pumpkin Dip & Drink
October is Pumpkin time ...for decorating, eating and drinking. The drink and dip recipe below are both great party additions or just making dinner time more festive. For additional recipes and ideas, visit nikkiglekascollective.com - download recipes or enjoy informative YouTube videos. Sign up for email with seasonal projects and recipes or follow on social media @Nikki.Glekas
This is a fun recipe for fall. I make it for my friends when they swing by and we always enjoy the decadence of a cocktail that tastes like dessert!
ARTICLE BY NIKKI GLEKAS
PUMPKIN PIE MARTINI
Makes 1
Ingredients:
• 1-ounce maple syrup, plus a little extra for rimming the glass
• Graham cracker crumbs for the rim
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 3-ounces vanilla vodka
• 2-ounces dark rum
• 1-ounce half and half
Directions:
1. Dip the rim of a martini glass in a little bit of the maple syrup, then dip the rim in graham cracker crumbs.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla vodka, dark rum, half and half, and maple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake very well to blend.
3. Pour the drink into the rimmed martini glass and serve!
PUMPKIN PIE DIP RECIPE (SERVED WITH APPLES & COOKIES)
This is really such a fun dessert for fall. It features all the flavor of pumpkin pie without the hassle of making it from scratch!
Ingredients:
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (canned or homemade)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• 1/2 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
• Sliced apples (for dipping)
• Your favorite cookies (graham crackers, ginger snaps, or vanilla wafers)
Directions:
1. Mix Cream Cheese & Pumpkin: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the pumpkin purée and mix until fully combined and creamy.
2. Add Sweeteners: Stir in the powdered sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and ground ginger (if using). Beat until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
3. Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping to add a light, fluffy texture to the dip.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. Serve: Serve chilled with sliced apples and cookies for dipping.
SCAN ME CUVS.ORG
THE LOCAL LIST
STAMFORD STEAKHOUSES AND LAW FIRMS
STEAKHOUSES
PRIME – AN AMERICAN KITCHEN AND BAR stamford.restaurantprime.com | (203) 817-0700
THE WATERS EDGE AT GIOVANNI’S watersedgeatgiovannis.com | (203) 325-9979
LENNY’S STEAKHOUSE stamford.lennyssteakhouse.com | (203) 298-0580
TERRA GAUCHA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE terragaucha.com/location-stamford | (475) 977-3522
THE ROYAL GREEN AT STERLING FARMS theroyalgreenct.com | (203) 276-8602
LAW FIRMS
CUMMINGS & LOCKWOOD cl-law.com | (203) 327-1700
CACACE, TUSCH & SANTAGATA lawcts.com | (203) 327-2000
WOFSEY, ROSEN, KWESKIN & KURIANSKY wrkk.com | (203) 327-2300
CARMODY, TORRANCE, SANDAK & HENNESSEY carmodylaw.com | (203) 425-4200
THE LAW OFFICES OF HEIDI E. OPINSKY ctnydivorcelawyer.com | (203) 653-3542
Marty turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
Stamford City Lifestyle
Published by Marty Loved by Stamford
