Issuu

Westport PREMIERE ISSUE

LifestylePubs.com/Westport

JUNE 2018

â„¢

NEW COUNTRY LEXUS OF WESTPORT

For VIP Pricing contact General Manager Michael J. Buchbinder at 203-255-1531 or mbuchbinder@newcountry.com

NEW COUNTRY LEXUS OF WESTPORT LexusofWestport.com PRE-OWNED VEHICLE SHOWROOM 187 Kings Hwy Cutoff Fairfield, CT 06824

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JUNE 2018 PUBLISHER

Marisa MacLean | Marisa.MacLean@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Nicolette Martin | Nicolette.Martin@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kristen Page Emond

Welcome to the Premiere Issue of Westport Lifestyle!

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mindy Briar Photography, John Videler

HELLO, AND WELCOME TO THE PREMIERE ISSUE OF WESTPORT LIFESTYLE. We’re inspired by community, and I hope this magazine inspires you too! We’re thrilled to be your source for all things local here in Westport. As you flip through these pages, you’ll be drawn into the incredible stories behind the people and places that call Westport home. You’ll learn more about the carefully crafted food being served up at local restaurants like Jesup Hall and Spotted Horse Tavern. You’ll tour beautiful homes in Westport and Weston and discover local startups and successful businesses such as Pure Barre and Bespoke Designs. We invite you to browse your hometown artists, designers and fashionistas. Our goal is to share the stories of everything and everyone Westport has to offer— and the things that matter most to you, our readers, for whom we produce this

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHIEF SALES OFFICER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR OPERATIONS DIRECTOR EDITORIAL MANAGER EDITORIAL AD MANAGER AD COORDINATORS

magazine each month. Thanks for inviting us into your homes and sharing your lives with us; we can’t wait to see you around!

Marisa MacLean , Publisher

LAYOUT DESIGNERS

LAUNCH COORDINATOR PUBLISHER SUPPORT EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPERS

Steven Schowengerdt Matthew Perry DeLand Shore Brad Broockerd Sara Minor Janeane Thompson Nicolette Martin Victoria Perry Lindsey Howard Chad Jensen Cyndi Harrington Alicia Huff Adella Wrisinger Jessica Soetaert Cyndi King Dana Rudolph Emily Stout Hailey Stepanek Carli DiMarco Melanie Carlisle Randa Makeen Michael O’Connell Annie Chan Harshith Potu

LifestylePubs.com/Westport ON THE COVER Westport’s own Compo Beach PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY BRIAR 4

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

514 W 26th St., Kansas City, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 Westport Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Westport areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Westport Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE JUNE 2018

FEATURES 13 Bespoke Designs: Neighborhood Gem Lays Just Off The Beaten Path Celebrate Life. Make It Extraordinary.

18 Classic Connecticut Design Meets Modern Style in this Westport Home Discovering ‘The One’ in Real Estate

24 Seasonal Cuisine Paired with a Vibrant Cocktail Scene Found at Westport's Jesup Hall We Sit Down with Bill Taibe, Owner Of Downtown's 'Go-To' Dining Spot

18 28

28 Dan About Town Getting the 411 from Mr. 06880, Dan Woog

DEPARTMENTS

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Locally Owned

Culinary Creations

Open House

22 DIY 24 Hot Spot 28 Local Limelight 30 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Local’s Choice

F I N E S TAT I O N E RY

5A SCONSET SQUARE • WESTPORT • bespokedesigns.com • 203-557-6777 June 2018 | Westport Lifestyle

GOOD TIMES

Food For All Fairfield Countyâ€™s premier strolling culinary event highlighted the newest and hottest restaurants, chefs, and mixologists. Guests enjoyed mouth-watering tasting plates and cocktails from Abigail Kirsch, Amis, Bar Zepoli, Beach House Cafe, BobbyQâ€™s, Flinders Lane, Harlan Haus, Kawa Ni, Knot Knorms, Match Burger Lobster, Myx Creative Kitchen, Roger Sherman Inn, Saltwater Restaurant & Bar, Taproot, The Spread, and Village Social No. 3. Proceeds to benefit FOOD RESCUE US, an organization committed to ending American food insecurity by engaging volunteers to transfer fresh, usable, excess food from grocers, restaurants, and other sources to hungry families throughout the US. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN SHYLOSKI

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

DR. MASHA KOGAN & DR. VIRGINIA ROMANO

Personalized Dental Care BRINGING

TO A NEW LEVEL

The Dental Center of Westport has been serving the Westport community, as well as neighboring towns, for over 20 years. The practice strives to provide exceptional client care and educate patients about dental health as a “total body connection.”

Dr. Masha Kogan and Dr. Virginia Romano are committed to ongoing professional development spending significant time each year attending the most highly regarded dental workshops around the world. As a result, the office continually invests in state-ofthe-art technology such as Kör Whitening®, the newest ultrasonic scalers and a digital scanner. Along with preventive and routine care, Dr. Kogan and Dr. Romano offer a full range of cosmetic services specializing in Smile Makeovers with porcelain veneers. Both doctors are certified in Accelerated invisalign® as well as BOTOX® treatment for clenching and TMJ. Dental Center of Westport’s mission is to continue to bring personalized dental care to a new level where patients feel well cared for, catered to, and treated as a family.

203.227.8700 • DENTALCENTERWESTPORT.COM • CARE@DENTALCENTERWESTPORT.COM • 250 MAIN STREET, WESTPORT

AROUND TOWN

WESTPORT DENTAL ASSOCIATES Westport

Dental

Associates

pleased

announce the addition of its new associate, Kimberly Anne Farrell, D.M.D. MDSc, FACP (Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, a board-certified prosthodontist). Farrell earned her doctor of dental medicine from the University of Pennsylvania, served as a resident at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, and received her prosthodontics implant/surgical certificate and master’s of dental sciences from the University of Connecticut. More recently, she has been an assistant clinical professor and part of the surgical faculty at the University of Connecticut, lecturing and overseeing clinical procedures as well as a member of the Surgical Faculty for Prosthodontic Residents. Farrell’s extensive experience in all aspects of treatment planning, implant placement, sinus lifts, pre-pros-

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thetic surgeries and bone augmentation procedures makes her a perfect addition to the team. Her expertise will allow Westport Dental Associates to provide its patients with the surgical placement of dental implants to complex restorative treatment plans. Farrell has been active in leading various research studies and publications. She is excited about her new home, joining Dr. Hannah Ahn, board certified-pediatric dentist; Dr. Brian Duchan; and Dr. Adam Freeman as they con-

Check out our website and social media for the latest specials and live music nights. Call to make reservations for our Thursday Special - Classic Prime Rib

tinue to serve the greater Westport community.

BOSTON MARATHON 2018: FAIRFIELD COUNTY RUNNERS' RESULTS A total of 358 runners from Connecticut finished this year's race, including eight from Fairfield County.

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Here are the local results: • 4,674 overall: Sam Parton, 26, 3:17:03 • 4,959 overall: Henderson Pablo, 44, 3:18:23 • 12,096 overall: Keri McKay, 46, 3:45:09 • 14,313 overall: Virginie Skoczen, 47, 3:53:30 • 15,403 overall: Kimberly Driscoll, 56, 3:58:05 • 17,694 overall: Bernadette Boyle, 32, 4:10:05 • 18,078 overall: David Guzik, 47, 4:12:23 • 24584 overall: Dario Melendez, 32, 5:33:55 The day's conditions offered a dangerous twist. The rain, wind and cold were so bad that the Red Sox postponed their annual morning Patriot's Day game for the first time since 1984.

"AMERICAN PICKERS" TO FILM IN CONNECTICUT THIS JUNE Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and their team are planning to film episodes of "American Pickers" in June in Connecticut. "American Pickers" is a documentary series that explores the world of antique “picking” on the History channel. 10

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

The show follows two skilled pickers as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are excited to find sizable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them. If you or someone you know has a large private collection or accumulation of antiques that the pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send your name, phone number and location, and a description of the collection with photos, to americanpickers@ cineflix.com or call 855.OLD.RUST.

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COMPANY

your home. your realtor.

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MICHELLE&COMPANY CELEBRATES HOMES WITH HOPE "SUMMER NIGHT ON THE RIVER" As a long-time supporter of Homes with Hope, Michelle&Company is proud to support this year's "Summer Night on the River" with Homes with Hope to benefit Project Return. The event is scheduled for June 2, 2018, beginning at 7 pm at the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

12 SHOREHAVEN ROAD | $5.250M

"Helping everyone in our community to feel safe and supported is extremely important to all of us at Michelle&Company," says Michelle Genovesi, Principal. "It's especially a pleasure joining our friends and neighbors, old and new, to support the new Homes with Hope/Project Return partnership and by extension all those we can help feel at home." Homes with Hope's mission is to support the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in the

2 OWENOKE PARK | $3.4M

communities we serve by providing food, safe emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and the supportive services needed to achieve a more independent and self-sufficient life. Project Return's mission is to care for and empower young women in crisis. Michelle&Company, at WRRE, has been providing our community unmatched personalized service and expertise in real estate for over 30 years. Homes with Hope event page: hwhct.org/

37 FERRY LANE EAST | $2.5M

MICHELLEANDCOMPANY.COM | WILLIAM RAVEIS REAL ESTATE | 203.454.HOME (4663)

June 2018 | Westport Lifestyle

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

LOCALLY OWNED

Bespoke Designs: a neighborhood gem lays just off the beaten path in Sconset Square

CELEBRATE LIFE. MAKE IT EXTRAORDINARY. ARTICLE KRISTEN PAGE EMOND | PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN VIDELER

CONTINUED >

June 2018 | Westport Lifestyle

LOCALLY OWNED

(CON TI N U ED)

SHARI LEBOWITZ (DESIGNER, PROPRIETOR AND "PAPERPRENEUR") IS TALL AND BUBBLY AND WEARS THE TYPE OF FASHION EYEGLASSES ONLY THE TRULY CHIC AMONG US CAN PULL OFF. Her visually exciting studio and showroom with its adjoining retail component is a feast for the senses. Walter, the miniature poodle, stops by for pets and attention. Besides serving as chief store greeter, Walter also has a keen interest in document shredding. “Walter is here with me every day," Shari says. "He’s our official paper shredder—he does not distinguish between packing paper or engraved paper, so we have to be a little careful. It’s actually very funny. Watch this. Go ahead, take the note.” After his instruction, Walter takes the scrap paper and does his job, reveling in the task at hand. A former interior designer who had her own practice in Manhattan, Shari moved to Westport several years ago to be close to the beach and live life at a more leisurely clip. After getting remarried and noticing a gap in the market for this type of design-focused service, Shari has made it her mission to design and deliver high-end—and frankly enchanting— custom stationery and invitations for life’s special events: weddings, mitzvahs, engagement parties, birth announcements, galas and other elegant affairs all have collaborated with Shari to get that first impression just right. Invitation elements can include things like hand-painted watercolors, calligraphy, engraving, hand tea-stained paper, letterpress accents and custom-drawn maps just for starters. The possibilities are truly endless. Bespoke’s services are sold in “suites” which in the case of wedding invitations, includes three to four components: invite, response card, envelopes and possibly an itinerary or travel guide. “My mind is a bubble-fest [of creative ideas]. I can create something amazing for $1,000 or $5,000," Shari says. "I think very visually—texture, pattern, color, scale and form. Those are kind of the cornerstones, the same cornerstones that would inspire me in a room." It is important to highlight the design skills evident in Bespoke’s final products, but we’d be remiss not to emphasize the strong project management piece of Shari’s oversight that ensures deliverables are completed on time and to perfection. High-touch customer service of this caliber cannot be recreated by trying to order invitations through online automated channels. Shari shares an anecdote of a young bride who had tried—and failed—to go the route of the former, only to later realize “I just really needed a person.” Lest we forget, Bespoke Designs also sells fabulous and entertaining gifts, cards and last-minute party must-haves that can be purchased either on-premise or via their website. As a board member of the Westport Art Center, Shari loves being a part of the Westport community and connecting with residents either while out walking Walter—who seems to get noticed first,—through visits to the storefront or through their official Instagram account that she seems to be a natural at navigating. “We feel every families’ event,” Shari says, reflecting on her business’s proximity to important life events. It may feel like a tall order, but one in which Bespoke Designs delivers on with equal parts warmth, professionalism, creativity and pride. Shari and Bespoke Designs cordially invite you to stop by and visit in person at the Westport storefront, 5A Sconset Square, Westport, CT 06880, or online at BespokeDesigns.com. 14

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

June 2018 | Westport Lifestyle

CULINARY CREATIONS

BURSTING WITH S U M M E R F L A V O R S! KIRA PANTSCHENKO OF NOUVEAU NUTRITION WHIPS UP A HEALTHY BUDDHA SALAD BOWL ALMOST TOO PRETTY TO EAT

VACATION TRAVEL, BUSY SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULES, AND

right can have on their lives. A lifelong lover of cooking and entrepre-

TRIPS TO COMPO BEACH CAN LEAVE LITTLE TIME (OR THE

neurship, nutrition coaching was a natural career choice for Kira who

DESIRE) TO SLAVE OVER A HOT STOVE. These gorgeous Buddha

founded Nouveau Nutrition in 2014.

Salad Bowls pack plenty of protein, tangy citrus, spice, sweetness,

If dining out seems like the best option, some of Kira’s favorite

creamy texture, a hydration boost from fresh veggies, whole grains

restaurants include 55 Wine Bar in Fairfield and Harvest in Westport

and healthy fats to keep you satisfied—and still fitting into your favor-

for healthy and delicious food options found in the community.

ite bikini. With this bowl’s satisfying crunch, you won’t even miss traditional salad croutons! Kira Pantschenko of Nouveau Nutrition created this delish dish

In addition to working with her regular clients, cooking and coaching throughout the year, Kira will be offering up an 11-week Healthy Kids Cooking Camp this summer in Wilton that kicks off June 25.

for readers to replicate in the comfort of their own homes. A registered dietitian who did her residency internship at Yale New Haven

To learn more about Kira and her services that include nutrition coaching,

Hospital, Kira loves getting her clients (both children and adults) to

meal planning and food prep, or to sign up for Healthy Kids Summer Cook-

see the positive results that small changes from cooking and eating

ing Camp, visit NouveauNutrition.com.

ARTICLE KRISTEN PAGE EMOND | PHOTOGRAPHY MINDY BRIAR PHOTOGRAPHY 16

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

Chicken Buddha Salad Bowls INGREDIENTS

+ 2 cups mixed greens + 1/3 container seasoned and cooked chicken + 1/3 cup cooked freekeh (or quinoa, wild rice) + 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped + 1/4 cup shredded purple cabbage + 1/4 cup roasted sweet potato, chopped + 1/4 cup chopped avocado CASHEW CURRY SAUCE

+ 1 tablespoon cashewÂ butter + 1 tablespoon coconut milk, canned or carton + 1/2 tablespoon coconut aminosÂ (or soy sauce, tamari) + 1 teaspoon rice vinegar + 1/2 teaspoon curry paste

INSTRUCTIONS 1| For chicken breast, chop into cubes and let them marinate in mixture of 2 tablespoons coconut aminos, 1 teaspoon sesame oil and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar for about 10 minutes. Cook chicken in medium frying pan for about 10 minutes, until golden and crispy. 2| While chicken is marinating, place 1/2 cup freekeh and 1 1/2 cups of water in medium saucepan on medium-high heat. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, until water has evaporated. 3| For sauce, add cashew butter, coconut milk, coconut aminos, rice vinegar and red curry paste in a small bowl and whisk vigorously until combined. 4| In a medium serving bowl, add mixed greens, cooked chicken and freekeh; layer in veggies, and top with curry sauce. This bowl is best eaten fresh, but leftovers will keep in the fridge for several days.

June 2018 | Westport Lifestyle

OPEN HOUSE

C L A S S I C D E S I G N

M E E T S

M O D E R N I N

T H I S

C O N N E C T I C U T DISCOVERING 'THE ONE' IN REAL ESTATE

S T Y L E

ARTICLE KRISTEN PAGE EMOND PHOTOGRAPHY MINDY BRIAR PHOTOGRAPHY

FA M I LY â€™ S

W E S T P O R T

H O M E

F E AT U R E S

OPEN KITCHEN/

FORMAL

OFFICE

FAMILY ROOM

DINING ROOM

PLAYROOM AND GYM

Even though relatively

Once favoring takeout to

The room is perfect for in-

Henry and Jacob's

new to Connecticut, the

homemade cuisine,

timate dinner parties and

basement playroom

Yankee memorabilia

Jodi now enjoys cooking

holiday entertaining.

features their favorite

in Paul's office reveals

for her family and guests

toys and a Kerri Rosen-

where the Sosmans'

in this open layout, ripe

thal-designed painting

sports team loyalty lies.

for entertaining.

and furniture console.

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

The Sosman family in the family room.

TUCKER, THE FAMILY'S EXUBERANT GOLDENDOO-

The kitchen

DLE WAITS EAGERLY AT THE DOOR OF THE SOSMAN FAMILY HOME SITUATED ON A PRIVATE CUL-DE-SAC IN WESTPORT ON AN EARLY SPRING DAY. Always looking the part, Tucker dons a dog collar complete with sailboat motif, making everyone wish for warm weather follies on the Sound. Tucker follows closely throughout the tour of the grand colonial-style home that took roughly three years and dozens of house tours for the Sosmans to land on the six bedroom, 6 1/2 bath new construction. In 2017, Jodi and Paul Sosman moved in with their two boys: Henry, 3, and Jacob, 11 months. Paul, a New Jersey native who works in medical tech sales in New York, had always enjoyed visiting family in the Westport area while growing up and knew that one day he would want to plant roots in the community. Jodi, Paul’s wife of five years, needed a bit more convincing to move out of their Brooklyn neighborhood and its obvious conveniences. “The country” (as Jodi referred to Westport in her previous life in Brooklyn Heights) eventually won her over with its community of young, welcoming and engaged families keen to socialize, a superb dining and shopping scene (the Whelk is a Sosman family favorite) and its slower pace. CONTINUED >

June 2018 | Westport Lifestyle

OPEN HOUSE

(CON TI N U ED)

Tucker, the family's goldendoodle

Selling points of the home include a plethora of sophisticated

furniture pieces designed by local artist Kerri Rosenthal which can

design finishes, white marble, high ceilings, an open floor

be found in multiple rooms in the home. Other pieces that were

plan, classic architectural elements like wainscoting, and a

brought in include retail finds from the likes of West Elm, Crate and

large, private backyard, ideal for the Sosman boys’ busy social

Barrel, Anthropologie and Restoration Hardware.

calendar of play dates.

The Sosman home displays the perfect marriage between

Upon closing on the home, Jodi had initially enlisted a New

fashion and function: elements of glamour where its least

York-based designer to assist with decorating the more than

expected coupled with a cozy, lived-in quality that is only

7,000-square-foot homestead. After discovering inspiration through

enhanced by its rich hues of white, blue, gray. The color palette

home décor accounts on Instagram and buying trips to the D&D

is a fitting homage to the traditional features of the home that

building, Jodi knew that she preferred a more modern aesthetic that

align with classic Connecticut design, while the eye easily trav-

aligned with the home’s overall scale with a focus on her family—

els to more modern accents when you have the likes of Kerri

nothing too stuffy for a family of rough and tumble boys. Ultimately,

Rosenthal’s “Drippy Hearts” art pieces in the mix.

a new designer was retained who better understood Jodi’s vision. This partnership resulted in acquiring several pitch-perfect art and 20

Henry Sosman in the kitchen.

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

For now, anyway, it appears the search for the perfect family home is over. Mission accomplished, perfection attained.

The home's basement playroom

The home's formal dining room

The home's kitchen opens to the family room. June 2018 | Westport Lifestyle

DIY

Lifestyle Hack

DIY Duotone Statement Earrings SHAKE UP YOUR JEWELRY BOX WITH THESE HANDMADE GEOMETRIC EARRINGSâ€” PERFECT FOR YOURSELF OR AS A GIFT FOR YOUR BEST LADIES ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLETTE MARTIN

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

SUPPLIES

them in the order you want your earrings to

+ 2 half-circle stamping blanks

consider switching up the placement of each

+ 2 large gold bars + 2 medium gold bars + 2 ear wires + Jump rings, assorted sizes + Embroidery thread + Metal punch + Bent nose forceps

Use both your bent nose forceps and needle nose pliers to secure each end of the jump ring. Gently twist the jump ring to open the gap, and place the jump ring through the holes in the pieces you are connecting. When securely through both pieces, gently twist the jump ring in the opposite direction to close the gap and secure the pieces.

flow. You can see how we arranged ours, but item for varying earring styles. 3. Mark where each of the holes line up on the individual pieces. These spots are where youâ€™ll be creating holes with the metal punch to connect each item with jump rings.

+ Needle nose pliers

4. Once you have your spots marked, care-

DIRECTIONS

dividual pieces. Once all of your holes are

1. Make sure to have all of your materials

PIECE BY PIECE

fully and precisely punch holes in your inpunched, connect each piece with the desired size of jump ring.

gathered before starting the project for easy assembly.

5. For an added touch, punch extra holes in the bottom piece and finish off with

2. Take your half-circle stamping blanks, large

knotted embroidery thread for a bohemian

gold bars and medium gold bars and arrange

tassel effect. June 2018 | Westport Lifestyle

HOT SPOT

SEASONAL CUISINE PAIRED WITH A VIBRANT

COCKTAIL SCENE FOUND AT WESTPORT â€™S

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

WESTPORT LIFESTYLE SITS DOWN WITH THE OWNER OF DOWNTOWN’S 'GO-TO' DINING SPOT ARTICLE KRISTEN PAGE EMOND

“MY ENTIRE LIFE HAS BEEN FOOD,” SAYS BILL

different from when we first opened [it], and we couldn’t

TAIBE, CHEF AND CO-OWNER OF THE MUCH-

be happier with where it is today,” Bill says.

BUZZED-ABOUT KAWA NI, THE WHELK AND JESUP HALL.

Unlike some restaurants, Jesup Hall takes the same care in curating its cocktail and wine menu as

The trio of restaurants is operated in partnership with

much as it does its food offerings. Some composition

Massimo Tullio, who develops all of the wine program-

highlights to be on the lookout for include cocktails

ming for the collective. A native of Patterson, New York,

with a lower sugar and alcohol content including the

no great midlife epiphany led Bill to become a restau-

aptly named Literally Can’t Even—perfect for the

ranteur—it seems to have been in his blood since birth.

Instagram-obsessed millennial with an ingredient

His foray into the restaurant and hospitality industry started as a teenager with a trip to culinary school

list that includes vodka, lemon, soda, passionfruit, Campari and (what else?), Provence rosé syrup.

and stints at Two Moons in Portchester (where he

Currently residing in Weston with his wife Rachel

became head chef at the ripe old age of 23), Wildfire

and two teenage sons, Bill is active in the Westport

in Greenwich and Napa & Co. Andrea Dinan, his

community and serves as the president of the

operations manager and “right arm” started with

Westport Farmers Market in addition to his position

him at his first Westport outpost, LeFarm (now The

on the board of Food Rescue US. Food Rescue US

Cottage, helmed by chef Brian Lewis) back in 2009.

utilizes app technology to allocate food surpluses to

Sitting and chatting with the chef about his latest

those that desperately need them. Think of it as the

venture, Jesup Hall which is housed in The Old Town

Uber of connecting food donors and food rescuers in

Hall located on Post Road East, it’s obvious that the

Fairfield County and beyond.

restaurant’s historical setting suits the seasonal, tavern-style menu brilliantly. Andrea echoes this sentiment when revealing Bill’s system in opening new restaurants. “Bill is always driven by the space," she says. "He sees the space, then, ‘what goes in the space?’” In falling in love with the space that is now Jesup Hall, Bill felt a “bit of responsibility to take on this building. I didn’t want to see this amazing landmark fall into the wrong hands or stay empty.”

Bill credits the Westport community with “pushing us and challenging us and supporting us to no end. We love being here—it’s a great community.” Bill says he owes the success of his restaurants to “the people we hire.” His employees, who embody “personality with a little bit of talent” (slight sarcasm here), appear to possess the secret sauce that connects Jesup Hall and the greater community. Bill and his team at Jesup Hall seem to effortlessly serve up magic every day and night whether

Stay empty it most certainly did not. The result? A

during "happy time" (or rather, cocktail happy hour),

warm and inviting space that includes elegant wallpa-

a nonfussy lunch service for shoppers looking for a

per and elements of reclaimed wood, all culminating in

midday reprieve, or date night for those seeking out

a great communal bar and restaurant that always offers

a more elevated dining experience without having

up something new and different. In terms of produce,

to travel into New York City. Jesup Hall certainly

the warmer seasons begin with the introduction of

delivers upon all of these particulars and more. We

ramps (wild leeks) and then on to squash, berries and

look forward to seeing you there.

tomatoes to round out the summer months. Not to worry carnivores, sustainable seafood and meat menu options abound. Reflecting on some initial challenges,

For more information on Jesup Hall’s ever-evolving menu,

the restaurant and its offerings are now “100 percent

visit JesupHallWestport.com.

CONTINUED >

June 2018 | Westport Lifestyle

HOT SPOT

(CON TI N U ED)

“I DIDN’T WANT TO SEE THIS AMAZING LANDMARK FALL INTO THE WRONG HANDS OR STAY EMPTY”

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

June 2018 | Westport Lifestyle

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

DAN ABOUT TOWN GETTING THE 411 FROM MR. 06880, DAN WOOG

DAN WOOG MOVED TO WESTPORT AFTER HIS PAR-

Lighter stories, like the evidence of bad parking jobs around

ENTS WERE PERSUADED TO RELOCATE BACK IN 1956.

town, are all part of the literary mix.

The Woogs migrated at the recommendation of family friend

“One-third of my readers don’t live anywhere near here,"

and "Twilight Zone" program creator Rod Serling who was a

Dan says. "They may have grown up here. They have relatives

fan of the then-rural community. Much has changed in the 60

here. They still feel tied to this town.”

years since that exchange.

Dan has a particular soft spot for Staples High School

“We didn’t wear bicycle helmets, and we hitchhiked, and

and its students. Besides coaching soccer on the cam-

we managed to not only survive but thrive," Dan says about

pus for most of his adult life, he has authored a book on

these simpler times. "We protested Vietnam and fought for

the school’s nearly 120-year old history. Dan has penned

civil rights. It was a very progressive school at that point.”

a total of 17 books that feature a wide range of subject

A graduate of Brown University, Dan got his start in freelance writing for magazines and advertising, finding himself

matter from LGBT-related content to coaching soccer to athletics and the town as a whole.

back at Staples High School to coach the soccer team. Since

“They are a really inspiring group,” Dan says about the

2002, he has served as the head coach for the Staples High

students. In the wake of national events, Dan is impressed by

School boys soccer team and credits the late head soccer

“students rising up and using their voices.”

coach, Albie Loeffler, as being his personal mentor in the sport.

The blog, which relies on donations and self-funding,

A self-described “writer, blogger, speaker, soccer coach,

has been known to elicit responses from some of its more

educator and activist,” today Dan may be most recog-

impassioned readers and Dan encourages such discourse to

nizable as the creator of the popular blog 06880: Where

a point: “It’s my brand. It’s my blog. It’s my name on it.”

Westport Meets The World. With 12,000 site visitors daily, Dan finds it important to provide new content for his read-

With humility, Dan is the first to acknowledge the value of the constructive feedback he receives.

ers constantly. As someone who “does not do bosses well”

An active member of several local and national orga-

Dan enjoys working for himself and answering up to 250

nizations, not the least of which is the National Coaches

emails every single day.

Association, Dan credits the sport of soccer in taking

“[I like] the immediacy of a blog," he says. "It’s very interactive.”

him around the world for tournaments and training alike.

No sooner has Dan published an article than a follower’s

Eventually, though, Mr. 06880 always seems to land back in

comment might appear.

town to work on his blog that “ties together the past and the

“I want my readers to be able to use it almost as a town

present and always points towards the future.”

square and to post opinions and have a dialogue.” Some popular topics published on the blog include Pic of the Day, Unsung Heroes, New Businesses and Flashback Friday.

To learn more about Dan and to follow his popular local blog, visit 06880DanWoog.com.

ARTICLE KRISTEN PAGE EMOND | PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN VIDELER

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

"ONE-THIRD OF MY READERS DONâ€™T LIVE ANYWHERE NEAR HERE. THEY MAY HAVE GROWN UP HERE. THEY HAVE RELATIVES HERE. THEY STILL FEEL TIED TO THIS TOWN." June 2018 | Westport Lifestyle

JUNE

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

women are perfectly manicured. 245

confirm if open, please check any of

Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880

the following which will be updated around 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday:

2018 CATHOLIC CHARITIES AETNA GOLF CLASSIC

Join for 18 holes of golf on Connecti-

THE 2018 ROSE OF HOPE LUNCHEON

cut's premier course, The Patterson

Fairfield County Hunt Club

Club. Your day includes golf with a cart

Award-winning actress, author and

and one caddie per foursome, lunch,

philanthropist Jane Seymour will

cocktail hour, open bar serving top-

be the keynote speaker at Norma

shelf liquor, dinner, hand-rolled cigars,

Pfriem Breast Center’s 2018 Rose of

putting competition on the new putting

Hope Luncheon. Brendan Fletch-

green, several contests on the course,

er of TV’s “The Voice” is the special

and the largest raffle in event history.

musical guest. Proceeds benefit the

ADOPTION HOPE FOUNDATION'S EVENING BENEFIT "HOPE GROWS HERE"

1118 Cross Highway, Fairfield, CT 06824

programs for underserved women

Saugatuck Congregational Church

at the center, which is part of Smilow

Please join for an evening to benefit the

Cancer Hospital. For information, visit

Adoption Hope Foundation. The event

TinyURL.com/ROHLuncheon2018

will feature beer and wine, food, danc-

or call 203.255.5546. 174 Long Lots

ing, and an auction. Cocktail party attire.

Road, Westport, CT 06880

245 Post Road E., Westport, CT 06880

The Patterson Club

5 LAUREN WEISBERGER ON HER BOOK, "WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LULULEMONS"

Saugatuck Congregational Church

Fifteen years since The Devil Wears

Twitter.com/#!/WestportSkyGuys, Facebook.com/WAS.CT or www. WAS-CT.org. 182 Bayberry Lane, Westport CT 06880

16 EAST COAST BREW FESTIVAL

Prada, Lauren Weisberger brings

PUBLIC STAR PARTY

us When Life Gives You Lululemons.

Westport Astronomical Society

Fairfield Theatre Company

Emily Charlton, first assistant to Mi-

Westport Astronomical Society hosts

GoodWorks Entertainment presents

randa Priestly (played by Emily Blunt

free public astronomy nights, 8 p.m to

their second craft beer festival. Purchase

in the movie), now an image consul-

10 p.m. every clear Wednesday eve-

tickets online at GoodWorksLive.com

tant, has just landed the client of a

ning at the observatory. Trained vol-

or FairfieldTheatre.org, or in person at

lifetime. Emily winds up in Greenwich,

unteers offer guided tours of the night

Fairfield Theatre Company Box Office.

Connecticut, where the lawns and the

sky through the society’s telescopes. To

A portion of the event proceeds will be

The Warehouse at

CONTINUED >

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

Give your child a

healthy smile Dr. Hannah Ahn is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Voted Fairfield County’s

TOP PEDIATRIC DENTIST

Patients under the age of 8 will receive a FREE SPIN BRUSH at their first dental visit with us when they mention the Westport Lifestyle ad.

329 Riverside Avenue Westport | 203-635-7070 | pediatricdentistryofwestport.com

VIDELER p hoto g ra p hy

203-856-5075 v i d e l e r. c o m

westport’s photographer June 2018 | Westport Lifestyle

JUNE

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR donated to Homes for the Brave, a local nonprofit in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with a mission of providing housing and services to individuals experiencing

TRINITY TAILGATE TAG SALE 2018

homelessness, especially veterans. 70

Trinity Episcopal Church

Sanford St., Fairfield, CT 06824

Join us for the Annual Trinity Tailgate Tag Sale and Boutique Party, where you can

shop for designer brands and one-of-

“A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES” AUTHOR DISCUSSION

view and Cocktail Party on Friday, June

a-kind treasures! This annual two-day fundraiser starts with the Boutique Pre22, followed by the Tailgate Tag Sale on

through May 15 at PequotLibrary.org. Space is limited. Register by the day or for the entire week! 720 Pequot Ave., Southport, CT 06890

28 AUTHOR CAROLINE WEBER ON HER BOOK, "PROUST'S DUCHESS" Westport Historical Society

Saturday, June 23. 651 Pequot Ave. at

Barnard

professor Caroline

We-

Center Street, Southport, CT 06890

ber will discuss Proust's Duchess: How

Westport Historical Society,

Three Celebrated Women Captured the

Alexander Heffner will discuss the

Imagination of Fin-de-Siècle Paris. This

10th-anniversary publication of his and Richard D. Heffner’s book, A Documentary History of the United States. A Documentary History tells the story of how America was forged

visual arts. Registration is open now

25 CHILDREN'S SUMMER ARTS WORKSHOPS

triple biography reveals the women who inspired Marcel Proust’s Duchesse de Guermantes. These superstars of Parisian high society, as Caroline

Pequot Library

says, "transformed themselves, and

through the documents, speeches

This summer, children ages 9-12 can de-

were transformed by those around

and letters created by the country’s

velop their creative side at Pequot Library.

them, into living legends: paragons of

most impactful figures. 25 Avery

From June 25-29, explore the arts through

elegance, nobility and style." 25 Avery

Place, Westport, CT 06880

drama, movement, writing, music and

Place, Westport, CT 06880

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

westport

southport

203.557.4789

203.292.8543

203.557.4789 @blowdry_sw blowdrysouthport.com

custome homes . remodeling architechural design custom interiors engineeering & site work ph: 203.227.1055 www.westportbuilder.com 8 Wright Street, Suite #107, Westport, CT 06880 New Home Builder # 014536 . Home Improvement # 646710 June 2018 | Westport Lifestyle

LOCAL’S CHOICE 1

MORE ABOUT MARISA 4

SOME OF THE PUBLISHER'S LOCAL FAVORITES PHOTOGRAPHY MINDY BRIAR PHOTOGRAPHY

WHO WHAT WHERE

Marisa MacLean Publisher of Westport Lifestyle Westport, Connecticut 1. Formulary 55 Bourbon and Vanilla candle from Bespoke Designs

2. Revision Skincare Intellishade Tinted Moisturizer with SPF - Amazing for summer! Get yours at All About You Med Spa 3. Nothing’s better than Westport’s own Compo Beach 4. Child Perfume - my signature scent 5. Going to all of Westport's amazing restaurants. Kawa Ni is a favorite. 6. InStyler Straight Up Ceramic Straightening Brushtames summer flyaways in a pinch 7. Ripe Agave Margarita mix - made locally in CT from healthy fresh juice

Westport Lifestyle | June 2018

construction renovations project management award winning design

203-939-9777

144

Water St. Suite 5 Norwalk, CT 06854