EATING AROUND CONNECTICUT— AND THE WORLD— WITH INSTAGRAM'S FAVORITE FOODIE SIBLINGS, @SISTERSNACKING
PLUS MUCH MORE IN OUR FOOD ISSUE
Flavors Of Fall
October in Westport brings fresh energy to our com munity, making it the perfect time for our annual food issue. This month, we’re highlighting the flavors, stories, and people that make Westport a culinary destination.
Our cover story features @sistersnacking, four sisters who have turned their passion for food into a social media hit. Their reviews of restaurants across Connecticut and beyond have made them trusted voices for food lovers looking to discover new dining spots.
We also shine a light on Rebel Daughter Cookies, where bold flavors meet creative indulgence, and explore the culinary journey of Bill Taibe, a local favorite who has expanded his influence to Denver. Fellow members of the culinary community share their admiration for Bill’s innovative approach to food, underscoring his impact on the dining scene.
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month, and we’re proud to feature Connecticut Breast Imaging, a key player in the fight against breast cancer. Their dedication to comprehensive care is vital to our community. Alongside them, we highlight Filling in the Blanks, a nonprofit committed to ending childhood hunger, making a real difference in the lives of local families.
As more people embrace the "sober curious" movement, we explore its presence in Westport.
We invite you to escape to Winvian, a unique cottage resort in the Litchfield Hills. Known for its farm-to-table dining and serene surroundings, Winvian offers the perfect autumn retreat. For escapes closer to home, we explore the popularity of accessory dwelling units, recently made legal here in Westport.
This October issue is all about celebrating the season and the vibrant food culture that makes Westport special. Enjoy the read and the flavors of fall.
Cheers,
MARISA MACLEAN, PUBLISHER @WESTPORTLIFESTYLE
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Marisa MacLean | marisa.maclean@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sara Gaynes Levy | sara.gayneslevy@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jen Berniker, Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Sara Gaynes Levy, Meredith Guinness, Marisa MacLean, Alex Waterworth
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ahnecia Gary, John Videler, Melissa Olguin/EPG
Creative, Rachel Steiner, Natasha Fleming
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
Halo’s unique Hybrid Fractional Laser Technology repairs the superficial and deep dermal effects of sun damage and uneven skin tone within one to two treatments. The treatment is very comfortable with little or no downtime. The result is glowing skin that shines from the inside
inside the issue
Family Meals
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: The cast of 'They Made It a Musical' at the Westport Country Playhouse. 2: Westport Country Playhouse staff including Bruce Miller and Beth Huisking at the summer party for 'They Made It a Musical.' 3: Sara Gaynes Levy and Yelena Kaplan. 4: Athena Adamson with party guests. 5: Ben Frimmer with partygoers. 7: Artistic director Mark Shanahan with guests at Playhouse's summer party.
Photography by Ahnecia Gary
8: Christian Siriano hosted artist Ashley Longshore for an event at The Collective West. 9: Jennifer Tooker, Ashley Longshore, and Marisa MacLean.
13: Christian Siriano drew live sketches at the event. 14: Guests enjoyed Rebel Daughter Cookies (seen here with founder and owner Anne Grossman).
Photography by John Videler
15: The grand opening of Sweetgreen in Compo Acres. 16: Jennifer Tooker at the grand opening of Sweetgreen. 17: Guests enjoying salads at Sweetgreen. 18: Salads on the first day at Sweetgreen. 19: Kneads gave out cookies and iced coffees at the opening. 20: Blossom + Stem Floral Design handed out flower arrangements to diners. 21: Kneads cookies and Sweetgreen salads. Photography by John Videler
1: Chef Brian Lewis at the debut of BANA, his new pop-up dining concept. 2: Chef Brian's sons helped him prepare the passed appetizers. 3: BANA's theme was New England-meets-Japan. Photography by Melissa Olguin/EPG Creative
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Westport Library Adds Nearly 400 New Digital Children's Titles
Our beloved library knows that getting children to read— in any format– is worth celebrating. This summer, they added 379 new titles, both books and audiobooks, to their digital collection for children, featuring beloved authors like Kate DiCamillo, Suzanne Collins, and Beverly Cleary. To take a look at the library's new digital collection, visit westportlibrary.org
The Ocean House Launches New Experience
The new “Land and Sea Yacht Experience,” offered at Ocean House in Westerly, Rhode Island, combines a stay in the nautical-inspired Morgan Suite and cruise aboard the completely restored historic Aphrodite yacht which once carried luminaries such as President Roosevelt, Fred Astaire, and Nelson Rockefeller. Regional voyages exploring the New England coastline can also be reserved separately. For information, please visit oceanhouse.com
Rose Hill Travel Launches
Kelly Matregrano, an experienced weddings and event planner, has launched her luxury travel arm, Rose Hill Travel. Rose Hill offers customized itineraries for families, couples, and more. To learn more, visit rosehillevents.com/travel
Delamar Spas Teams Up With Caudalie
Delamar Spas now has an exclusive partnership with Caudalie, making it one of the only spas in the U.S., outside Caudalie's N.Y.C. location, to offer the brand's Vinothérapie treatments. These treatments combine natural active ingredients with rituals to deliver results in radiance, anti-aging, firmness, detox, and slimming. Mathilde Thomas, co-founder of Caudalie, personally oversees the development of each treatment to ensure the highest standards of quality and effectiveness. For more info, visit delamar.com
ARTICLE
SWEET TREATS
At Rebel Daughter Cookies, there are new ways to celebrate.
SARA GAYNES LEVY |
BY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL STEINER AND NATASHA FLEMING
Photo by Natasha Fleming Photography.
Photo by Rachel Steiner.
“For the longest time, I just wanted to specialize in cookies and make the best ones anyone has ever had,” she says. “But people told me they wanted something to put a candle in, and I was looking for a creative outlet.”
In 2019, Anne Grossman debuted Rebel Daughter Cookies, her Norwalk-based bakeshop offering “big, gourmet” N.Y.C.-style cookies. The brand, named after the nickname Anne’s mom gave her, is known for inventive, rotating flavors—like the Queen Kong, which is a banana walnut crumb cake cookie— but Anne says customers repeatedly asked her to expand the menu. Not to new cookie flavors, though: to cakes. “For the longest time, I just wanted to specialize in cookies and make the best ones anyone has ever had,” she says. “But people told me they wanted something to put a candle in, and I was looking for a creative outlet.” Cookie cakes, she reasoned, needed a glow-up (the mall variety isn’t exactly cool). “I thought: what if my challenge is to make a cookie cake that fits the personality of Rebel Daughter?”
Photo by Rachel Steiner.
After more than a year of experimenting, she did just that. Rebel Daughter’s new line of cookie cakes fits the irreverent heart of the brand— cakes come with cheeky phrases like “U Deserve Cake” or “Cake Cutting Practice,” or you can customize your own. The cakes are their “mind-blowing” chocolate chunk with sea salt flavor, which Anne describes as “nice and crispy on the outside and chewy and slightly gooey in the middle.” Perfecting the cookie cakes has been part of a creative period for Anne: she designed a proprietary box for the cakes that will
allow her to ship them nationwide, plus let customers receive cookies and a cake in the same box, and she worked with local muralist Weverson Ponte to design the new cake box packaging. (You can see his work on the Norwalk bakery storefront, as well, and don't miss the new cookie packaging by team member Kat). It’s Anne’s hope that the new cakes will be a part of not just birthdays and weddings, but all kinds of celebrations. “We really encourage you to use your imagination.”
To place an order, visit rebeldaughtercookies.com
Anne Grossman in her Norwalk bakery.
Photo by Natasha Fleming Photography.
Voting is open until October 1st 2024. Winners announced in our December 2024 issue.
THE WONDERFUL
WORLD OF BIL L TAIBE
Bill Taibe is undeniably a giant in our food scene. He has three Westport restaurants— The Whelk, Kawa Ni, and Don Memo— operates the Norwalk Art Space Café, and recently opened an outpost of Kawa Ni in Denver. If you've eaten in one of Bill's spots, you know how gifted he is at crafting menus, ambiance, and delicious food. But one of the things that sets Bill Taibe apart is the kind of leader he is in the culinary world. So we spoke to those who know best— his colleagues and peers— to hear, in their words, what makes Bill Taibe so special.
THE WESTPORT-BASED CHEF AND RESTAURATEUR IS BELOVED EVERYWHERE— FOR GOOD REASON.
"When thinking of how Bill has impacted my life it’s hard to summarize and put into words; best put, Bill has been a wonderful mentor and friend. I began working for him when Jesup Hall opened in Westport and quickly began to learn so much from him about being a good respectful leader and chef of a kitchen team; he has always challenged and pushed his staff to become the strongest and best versions of themselves. I have struggled for years to find the confidence in my own skills and talent, to know my worth and what I have to offer. Bill has always encouraged me to do more and push myself harder so that I can see what I am made of. I feel that we approach food and kitchens the same way; organized, passionately, and effectively which makes it enjoyable to work together. If it were not for Bill Taibe I don’t think I would ever have had the confidence to take on the role of Executive Chef, he gave me the platform to do and become that which is something I will forever be grateful for; giving me the thing I never knew I wanted. Bill has impacted my life in so many ways, but the strongest way is to be a guiding hand in this industry and show me what an amazing chef is because there is no other better than him."
CAI TLIN MCGOWAN, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT THE NORWALK ART SPACE CAFÉ
Kelly Clement, Bill Taibe, and Caitlin McGowan. Photo by Annamari Mikkola.
"Chef Bill has had a profound impact on my career, beyond just raising me in the kitchen from where I started to where I am today. His mentorship has guided me to discover the best version of myself—not only as a chef within his company but also as an individual."
ZAC H HI NMAN, CHE F DE CUISINE AT DON MEMO
"Bill genuinely cares. Bill strives to continuously learn and be involved. Bill shares his time and talents, which to me is the definition of a good community leader. Without his friendship—both personally and professionally—the Westport Farmers' Market would not be where it is today. I am mighty grateful for him."
LOR I COCHRAN-DOUGALL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE WESTPORT FAR MERS' MARKET
"I met Bill at the opening of Kawa Ni in Denver, and as a local Denverite I have seen a lot of out-of-state groups bring in restaurant concepts over the years. In large part it has been good for the city, and it has been part of the changing social and economic landscape shift we have seen over the last ten years. Upon meeting Bill, it was immediately apparent this was someone who was passionate in their craft. He takes an interest in seeing people progress in their careers within the industry. I, for example, have been able to move from bussing tables to bartending five nights a week. Being able to bartend is a fun challenge for me (I am in long-term recovery and do not taste any of the drinks we make). Bill has extended trust to me, to be creative and utilize the math and methods of cocktail creation to put several drinks on our Denver menu. I think unlike others in the Denver food scene that have tried to bring N.Y.C., Long Island, L.A., or Miami to Denver, Bill simply brought a concept—and has let Denver show him what we like."
CON NOR GREEN, BARTENDER, KAWA NI DENVER
“If I run out of an ingredient, I always know I can text Bill Taibe to borrow some!”
JES BENGSTON, EXE CUTIVE CHEF, TERRAIN
"I’ve worked for Chef Bill Taibe for over 12 years, since starting at his Westport leFarm Restaurant in 2012. One day we chatted about the idea of adding bacon to one of my cookies (that was a very leFarm thing to do) and I decided I would add it to my Salted Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookie. I tried it and it was terrible! As far as I was concerned, that was the end of that. A few weeks later, he asked me about it and I told him 'I tried it. It was awful.' He very matter-of-factly said 'So that’s it. You’re done. You quit.' He was right. I immediately said 'No. I’ll keep trying.' I ended up creating my Oatmeal-Raisin ‘Breakfast’ Cookie — with bacon & orange zest — and it became a staple on the Cookie Plate."
KEL LY CLEMENT, GENERAL MANAGER, NOR WALK ART SPACE CAFÉ
"Bill Taibe has had a significant impact on my career and mindset in the industry. His ability to inspire and push for excellence has shaped my approach to managing and developing our teams. He is an amazing leader, mentor, and friend."
AND REA DINAN, MANAGER OF OPERATIONS FOR THE WHELK, KAWA NI, AND DON MEMO
“WH EN THINKING OF HOW BILL HAS IMPACTED MY LIFE IT’S HARD TO SUMMARIZE AND PUT INTO WORDS; BEST PUT, BILL HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL MENTOR AND FRIEND.”
-
CAITLIN MCGOWAN, EXECUTIVE
CHEF AT THE NORWALK ART SPACE CAFÉ
ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY
FAMILY meals
HOW FOUR CONNECTICUT-RAISED SISTERS FOUND AN AUDIENCE OF 500,000 FOLLOWERS FOR THEIR FOOD CONTENT
Growing up in Glastonbury, Conn., Madison Vitale (née Shapiro) loved Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network. She would watch with her sisters, Carly, Sara, and Julia. “We’ve always been a food-centric family,” explains
"Their Connecticut-based road trips expanded to worldwide treks, with more than half a million followers on Instagram following along for their restaurant reviews, honest recommendations, and best-of lists."
Madison. The foursome eventually convinced their parents to start taking them to some of the Connecticut eateries featured on the show. “We’d make a little road trip out of it,” she says. “That’s when we started getting more into the restaurant scene.” It was those culinary pilgrimages that planted the seeds for the sisters to become what they are today: @sistersnacking. Their Connecticut-based road trips expanded to worldwide treks, with more than half a million followers on Instagram following along for their restaurant reviews, honest recommendations, and best-of lists. They launched the page as a just-for-fun project back in 2015, while Carly and Madison were still in college, posting photos of trendy restaurants in the tristate area. But their following started to massively grow during COVID. “We were all together in Connecticut, and we started making a ton of videos at places we knew and loved,” says Madison. With the world stuck at home, clips about where to go for takeout took off. Madison remembers one video about $54 omakase to-go boxes at Sushi By Bou in N.Y.C. as an early viral hit, because the idea of to-go fine dining was so novel at the time. Not to mention the concept of posting story-driven short-form video about a restaurant was pretty new, too. The combination of high-quality video, the sisters' honest, magnetic narration, and the timing of the pandemic was kind of a perfect storm—people loved their videos, and were actually getting food from the spots the sisters posted about. “Restaurants were struggling during the pandemic. It was really cool to see our content translate into helping these businesses stay open,” says Carly.
Carly with a bagel from PopUp Bagels.
The line outside their PopUp Bagels collaboration event in May.
In the last four years, all four sisters have transitioned into working full-time for the family brand (Julia is a senior at Syracuse University.) “Sistersnacking was growing exponentially, and for all of us it was impossible to have, essentially, two full-time jobs,” explains Sara. Whether they’re traveling around New England or Europe, their food reviews cut through the hype and showcase the best of the best in restaurants and menu items. “The fact that we can stay so close with our family while doing what we really enjoy is very cool,” says Madison.
While they’ve covered some of the best restaurants in the world, from Paris to Florence to every corner of N.Y.C., “it feels really special when we have a Connecticut review that takes off,” says Sara. And they have certainly had some: SisterSnacking was one of the driving forces behind the popularity of Westport-based PopUp Bagels. “My friend out in the Hamptons told me: you need to get these bagels,” recalls Madison. “We drove an hour to Westport and met owner [Adam Goldberg] that day. We made a TikTok review, and it got 300,000 views, which at that time was really impactful,” she says. PopUp Bagels and the Sisters began an ongoing relationship from that moment on— they did a co-branded Cacio e Pepe schmear, the bagels were served at Madison’s wedding, and this summer, they orchestrated a collab between the legendary blueberry pancake cinnamon rolls from The Hive in Jersey City, N.J., and PopUp Bagels, offering a limited-release blueberry pancake cinnamon roll schmear. “It's been really cool to put our name on something and to see the way that people react to it. The feedback has been incredible,” says Madison. PopUp Bagels aren’t the only Fairfield County eats they love: their other favorite spots include Kawa Ni, Sally’s Apizza, Nômade Lounge, Bricco's Bianco Pie, Battimelli's A&S Italian Fine Foods in Fairfield, and Colony Grill.
Carly, Sara, Madison and Julia.
In Paris.
“I don’t think we realized how strong of a following we had in Connecticut,” says Sara. “We were posting about [Connecticut] bakeries, and grinders, and the best burgers, and the best breweries— things that were nothing like what we had been doing before— and we got such a positive response from our Connecticut followers. It was very meaningful.” So next time you want a meal that you’ll still be talking about days later? See what the Sisters recommend @sistersnacking.
Bagel sandwiches are a perennial favorite.
Danna & Jen are the Team to Choose
Buying or selling a home can be a stressful process if you don’t have the right real estate agent. With a proven track record, 20 years experience, over 250 properties sold, and our signature “hand-holding” service, you can rely on us to get you the best possible result.
“We have known both Jen & Danna for years but have never worked with them as Realtors until recently. They guided us through the selling and buying process with knowledge of the market, knowledge of sales and a warm “bedside manner” that all led to a success on both the buy and the sell. Feel lucky to call them each our friend and agent.” - B & A
30 Elm Street Bedford Square, Westport CT 06880 dannarogersandjenkass.com
Danna Rogers (917) 282-6292 • dannakrogers@gmail.com Jen Kass (203) 368-8032 • jenkass32@gmail.com
The Golden Age of Being Sober-Curious
THERE'S
NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO EXPERIMENT WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS.
ARTICLE BY LAUREN BROWN WEST-ROSENTHAL
It’s a sober-curious world out there. For the uninitiated, sober-curious means you’re open to questioning your relationship with alcohol and finding your comfort level with sobriety. “Maybe you use alcohol as a way to feel less socially anxious or have a drink at night to relax and unwind,” explains Mary Dobson, a Westport-based psychotherapist and CEO of Lift Wellness Group. “But maybe you’ve noticed that drinking doesn’t really address those issues, and you end up feeling more anxious. Sober curiosity is about exploring what works best for you.”
With this rising movement, some of Westport's most beloved and popular restaurants and businesses have added non-alcoholic cocktails, beers, and wines to their menus. Emily Smith, the Director of Operations for Terrain Café, explains that their beverage program has always been rooted in non-alcoholic and espresso drinks—but they’ve expanded as the trend has grown. “Now, the expectation is that the thought and craftsmanship that is present for alcoholic beverages is equally demonstrated in beverages either without spirits or with zero-proof substitutes,” says Emily. Terrain’s most requested mocktail is historically their summertime special, the Watermelon Mint Refresher. “Our non-alcoholic beverages are inspired by the seasons, and harness ingredients that really do the work themselves.”
The Watermelon Mint Refresher from Terrain.
As Emily points out, the approach to creating non-alcoholic drinks is also more thoughtful than it used to be: no more cloyingly sweet syrupy concoctions. At Full House Hospitality Group restaurants Oko and The Cottage, they begin their mocktail recipe creations with a standout ingredient and build around it. Some of their most popular drinks include the Ginger Revive (made of fresh ginger, lemon juice, yuzu, powdered cayenne, turmeric, and agave syrup) and the All Bark No Bite (turmeric, black pepper, pineapple, maple syrup, and garnished with a pineapple spear). “We always strive for a balance of aesthetics and flavor, and we love collaborating with the kitchen to incorporate seasonal ingredients,” Chef Brian Lewis, founder of Full House Hospitality Group, explains. “When creating a new drink, I always ask myself, 'Is this something you’d want to order twice?'”
At La Plage (located at the Inn at Longshore, a Delamar hotel property), they also use the same creativity and care put into crafting traditional cocktails when creating mocktail recipes. “We focus on flavor balance, innovation and presentation, fresh fruits, herbs, spices, and non-alcoholic bitters or syrups to create depth and complexity,” shares Hicham Amaaou, Restaurants Director of the Delamar Hotel Collection.
Their “Lilac" mocktail is one of their most popular as it “captures the essence of the serene and inviting atmosphere at La Plage/ Longshore Inn,” says Hicham. It’s made with pineapple, hibiscus, herbal notes of Seedlip Garden 108 and a sparkling finish.
The acceptance and excitement around sobriety is a big cultural shift. Mary says when “Dry January” was first launched as a public health initiative back in 2012, the word “sober” was practically a “dirty” one. “Being sober has certainly experienced a rebrand. The philosophy of sober curiosity in 2024 encourages individuals to explore a mindful approach to drinking without defensiveness or shame,” says Mary. “And, with large numbers of our community members becoming sober-curious, peer pressure is an ever-decreasing reason to imbibe.”
CONTINUED >
“Maybe you’ve noticed that drinking doesn’t address those issues, and you end up feeling more anxious. Sober curiosity is about exploring what works best for you.”
The Cool Cucumber from The Cottage.
“Being sober has certainly experienced a rebrand,” says Mary Dobson, a Westport-based psychotherapist and CEO of Lift Wellness Group.
“The philosophy of sober curiosity in 2024 encourages individuals to explore a mindful approach to drinking without defensiveness or shame.”
It’s not just local restaurants seeing the about-face. Cory D'Addario, owner of the Fine Wine Company of Westport says in the past, alcohol-removed products were a “dismal category” but with the high-quality options now available, it’s easy to have both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages to serve guests in your home. Fine Wine Company of Westport’s most popular non-alcoholic orders include the Seedlip line of non-alcoholic spirits, the Dirty Pelican line of organic mixers, and Beaglepuss’ hopped cider.
To decide if sober curiosity is right for you, Mary suggests making a list focusing on what you’ll gain from adopting a sober-curious approach, “not what you’ll lose.” Instead of thinking, “I won’t be able to drink with my friends,” Mary says to remind yourself that cutting out alcohol can energize you, leaving you open to socializing in more rewarding ways. Not to mention it’s the perfect excuse to visit all the incredible restaurants in Westport— in the name of testing out their mocktail selections, of course.
Making a Lilac at La Plage.
The Ginger Refresher at Oko.
The "All Bark, No Bite" from Full House Hospitality Group.
Early Detection Saves Lives
DR. GILDA BOROUMAND BRINGS US UP TO DATE ON BREAST CANCER SCREENING.
ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN VIDELER
October is breast cancer awareness month, and it’s a perfect time to schedule your annual breast imaging if you haven’t already done so. Westport Lifestyle sat down with Gilda Boroumand, M.D., a breast imaging radiologist at Connecticut Breast Imaging, which has five locations in the area for mammography and ultrasound. Dr. Boroumand advised us on the latest recommendations to help folks in Fairfield County get the best preventative breast health care.
WESTPORT LIFESTYLE : FIRST OFF, WHAT ARE THE CURRENT BREAST CANCER SCREENING GUIDELINES?
Dr. Boroumand: Annual screening mammography, starting when you're 40, saves the most lives, and I would urge all women to make sure they're getting a 3D mammogram. Rather than taking one static picture, a 3D machine takes multiple, very low-dose X-rays and puts together an image where we see many slices through the breast tissue. I compare it to rather than looking at the cover of a book and guessing what's inside, you get to flip through the book and read parts of it. You get a lot more information.
WL : RECENTLY, ACTRESS OLIVIA MUNN MADE HEADLINES WHEN SHE REVEALED SHE HAD BREAST CANCER, AND THAT HER MAMMOGRAM MISSED THE CANCER BUT IT WAS FOUND ON AN MRI. SHOULD WOMEN BE CONCERNED ABOUT MAMMOGRAMS MISSING CANCER?
Dr. Boroumand: I'm glad that celebrities are bringing this into the conversation so that we're talking about breast cancer. But people don’t know how great mammograms are— I would say, for all women, mammograms are vital. As cases like Olivia Munn’s show, they’re not perfect— they can have some difficulties on women with dense breast tissue. So what can you do? You can get a breast ultrasound, and we are fortunate
that Connecticut is a state with a mandate for private insurance to cover breast ultrasounds. Or, if your cancer risk assessment indicates you are high risk, like Olivia Munn, breast MRI is also an excellent tool.
WL : WHAT IS DENSE BREAST TISSUE? HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE IT?
Dr. Boroumand: Dense breast tissue refers to what breast tissue looks like on a mammogram—it looks white, and the problem is that cancers typically also look white. [As to how you’ll know you have dense breasts,] every mammogram report has to have a breast density statement, so the report should state specifically what your breast density is. At our facility, there is specific phrasing that says if you have dense breast tissue, you should speak about it with your physician and consider having a breast ultrasound. With ultrasound, we're able to see things we may not have been able to see on a mammogram.
WL : IF YOU HAVE DENSE BREASTS, SHOULD YOU BE GETTING BOTH A MAMMOGRAM AND AN ULTRASOUND?
Dr. Boroumand: Yes. There are findings that we see only on a mammogram— things like calcifications, which can be an early sign of breast cancer.
WL : ARE THERE ANY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MAMMOGRAPHY AND BREAST CANCER SCREENING PEOPLE HAVE?
Dr. Boroumand: There’s one set of guidelines that says to stop getting mammograms at age 74. In this day and age, 74 seems so young! I think the age to stop is a personal decision. But the message I would give patients is that as long as you're healthy and motivated, there's no reason to stop.
To schedule breast imaging at Connecticut Breast Imaging, visit ctbreastimaging.org
“I would say, for all women, mammograms are vital. Annual screening mammography, starting when you're 40, saves the most lives.”
“The message I would give patients is that as long as you’re healthy and motivated, there’s no reason to stop. ”
Now Open in New Canaan
Connecticut Breast Imaging is pleased to announce the opening of its newest location in New Canaan at 23 Vitti Street, Suite 100.
Come meet the exceptional team at Connecticut Breast Imaging! Our highly regarded breast imagers, all trained at prestigious academic medical centers, are dedicated to providing you with outstanding care.
We are excited to offer concierge breast imaging services and quick turnaround time for results at our state-of-the-art facility in New Canaan. Most insurances are accepted because everyone should have access to quality breast healthcare.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about the team at Connecticut Breast Imaging, please call 203.791.9011, or visit our website at ctbreastimaging.org.
3D Mammography
Breast Ultrasound
Breast Biopsies
23 Vitti Street, Suite 100, New Canaan • 203.791.9011 • ctbreastimaging.org
YES, IN MY BACKYARD!
ARTICLE BY JEN BERNIKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELE COSENTINO AND JOHN ROUNTREE
Everything you need to know about accessory dwelling units.
If downsizing—or expanding— your current living space is on the agenda, but the housing market has you feeling stuck, you need to know about ADUs.
ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units, are detached, secondary housing structures built on single-family, residential lots. Think: pool houses, guest houses, studio spaces, garages (with a room upstairs for grandma), etc. To be considered an ADU, the structure must have a kitchen and a full bathroom. Until two years ago this type of housing was illegal in Westport, to prevent homeowners from building separate living spaces on their lots. Then, along came Danielle Dobin, the former chair of the Planning & Zoning Commission, who realized the laws should be modernized.
“Westport homeowners deserve the flexibility to use their property to create a backyard guest cottage,” explains Danielle. “Whether it’s for visitors, for their college-aged children, their parents, or to lease as a long-term rental that preserves their ability to stay in their home after a major life change.”
Best of all, the land is “free,” because you already own it! You can even move into your ADU and rent out your primary home. However, ADUs in Westport, specifically, are not meant to become weekend party houses (or Airbnbs). Regulations state that a tenant needs to be in place for a minimum of six months.
Michele Cosentino's ADU offers space for outdoor dining.
Photo by Michele Cosentino.
A compact but stylish ADU kitchenette.
Photo by Michele Cosentino.
All existing setback regulations must be respected. Accessory Apartments, which are separate spaces within your primary dwelling, are permitted as well.
Construction of these types of units have soared in popularity in the U.S., and in Westport, where over 50 permits have been approved in the past two years. ADU designs run the gamut and often turn out looking like a chic accessory to the actual home – like the perfect bag paired with an outfit, for those who speak fashion. You can match the style of your existing home, or contrast it – picture a modern glassy structure behind a classic colonial: a fun twist that allows you to have a little “party in the back.” Furthermore, ADUs don’t create the appearance of density, because they’re often hidden from street view.
Local architect John Rountree recently constructed an ADU for a family. Another picture-perfect ADU we featured on Designport belongs to Michele Cosentino and Ari Greenman, who built a companion structure around a garage on their property in Old Hill, a neighborhood charmed with many smaller, historic homes. According to Michele, “I knew we needed more space, but I didn’t know how we’d use it exactly. We created a kitchenette, so we could entertain outside. I also thought I might use the sink for gardening.”
Michele designed the space herself, and worked with Architect Mark Homburg and contractor Rose Adams to build it. She has since launched her own sportswear label, a boutique line of tennis dresses called Top Banana, and the space morphed into her studio. “Maybe I knew all along what I’d been working towards,” she reflects.
Danielle proudly remembers that one of the first applications approved was a cottage for the daughter of long-term residents in Westport. “She was divorced and would not be able to stay in town without the change in this law. Now, the family shares 2.5 acres comfortably—and it’s all in the family.”
“It’s really great for the town,” adds Danielle. “It raises the value of your property so it adds to the value of all existing homes in Westport.”
Jen Berniker edits the local design resource myDesignport.com, @my_designport
A guest house designed by Architect John Rountree.
Photo courtesy of John Rountree, Architect.
Photo courtesy of John Rountree, Architect.
Michele Cosentino's ADU is the 'Top Banana.' Photo courtesy Michele Cosentino.
What's For Lunch?
FIVE NEW LUNCH SPOTS FOR BUSY WESTPORTERS TO GRAB A BITE.
Many Westporters move from New York City, where spots to grab a quick, healthy lunch are on practically every corner. But if you miss N.Y.C.’s lunch spots, you’re in luck: Westport is in the middle of a midday meal renaissance. Among the new spots is the long-awaited Sweetgreen (374 Post Road E), above, which opened in Compo Acres in July and offers fresh salads, warm bowls, and healthy sides centered around produce and protein, much to the delight of Westporters everywhere.
Earlier this year, 1/ Cava (620 Post Rd E), another fast-casual chain, opened next to Westport Hardware. There’s always a crowd there at lunchtime, grabbing a salad or bowl
Sweetgreen in Compo Acres.
Photo by John Videler.
of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and a slice of fresh-baked pita bread. Longtime Riverside Avenue staple Arezzo expanded to lunch offerings this year, creating the 2/ Saugatuck River Caffe (13 Post Rd W), which offers Italian salads and sandwiches. And 3 / Lyfe Cafe (793 Post Road E) is also an expansion of a local favorite: Pizza Lyfe added the eatery— full of bagels, baked goods, and more—for on-the-go lunches. Not sure what you want? Stop by 4 / Ed’s Fusion (1759 Post Road E). The spot, which opened in April, offers the best of both worlds: pizza and tacos.
1/ Cava
2/ Saugatuck River Caffe
3/ Lyfe Cafe
4/ Pizza and tacos from Ed's Fusion.
Life at full boost
While every Porsche is special, some tend to be a bit more so. For the 993, the Turbo/Turbo S were the ultimate expressions of the air-cooled, road-going 911, delivering blistering acceleration on a level that is impressive even by today’s standards. Our client’s pristine Turbo on the left is a stunner, finished in PTS Turquoise Metallic.
The folks at RUF took the 993 even further, first with their Turbo R then, nearly two decades later, the Turbo R Limited (the green example on the right is one of only seven produced). Boasting an eye-popping 620HP in a lightweight chassis, RUF again delivered a car that could exceed 200 mph.
The Speed Yellow car in the center of this trio is a completely different take on the 993: the TechArt CT3 featuring a supercharger delivering 462-HP to the rear wheels. While any CT3 is rare on these shores, this one is particularly so as it’s production number 000.
The one thing the owners of these three very special 993s have in common is their unwavering trust in us. The specialists in our air-cooled Porsche department are recognized by renowned collectors across the globe for their expertise, experience, and most importantly, integrity.
Over the past three decades, we’ve seen tremendous growth. With our newly expanded 36,000 square foot Danbury facility, we can expertly service every Porsche that rolls through our doors. From a priceless four-cam 550, to the electric Taycan, to the new benchmark in performance, the exhilarating GT3 RS.
Our competition clients are benefiting from our new southern location in Sebring, Florida, near the legendary racing circuit.
No matter which Porsche you drive, or how you drive it, we’ll give you the boost you need.
ART WITHIN REACH
You bought some art. Now what? Interior designers reveal how to live with beautiful creations at an intriguing Bridgeport gala and show.
ARTICLE BY MEREDITH GUINNESS
How does one live with art?
It’s a good question, and this month six Fairfield County designers will provide their answers – from comfortable and classic to whimsical and way out – at the third annual Art + Design event at Metro Art Studios in Bridgeport.
The event pairs interior designers with artists working in the former corset-factory-turned-studio space. The challenge:
By designer Diane Rath.
“Without artwork, I personally don’t think a space is fully designed,” says 2022 designer Mary Benz of The Affect. “Without art, you don’t have a full space.”
Interior designers peruse a virtual lookbook of artists’ creations and then create liveable, 10'X11' spaces that reveal how to make the artwork part of one’s home, honoring both the work and everyday life.
“You don’t generally put it in a white room with nothing else in it, as you would see it in a gallery or museum,” says artist Jane Dávila, executive director of Metro Art Studios. “The idea is to showcase art in an interior design setting.”
The three-week event kicks off Saturday, October 5 with a gala fundraiser, this year benefitting LifeBridge Community Services, a Bridgeport-based organization providing mental and behavioral services and clothing and food for those in need. Metro Art Studios has a kinship with the nonprofit, which offers art programming to at-risk youth in the city through its Urban Scholars program, Jane says.
Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Westport Lifestyle is a proud media sponsor of this year’s
festivities, which will also allow a peek at studios throughout the three-story building in the city’s South End from 5 to 8 p.m. The vignettes will be available for viewing in the building’s Crown Gallery through October 26.
Each year’s roster of designers includes both seasoned pros and inventive up-and-comers. This year’s six vignettes are by: Naïka Andre of NJA Interiors in Stamford; William Lyon of William Lyon Designs in Norwalk; Kaci McAllister of Sunflower Bee Interiors; Kristin Nick of Tides Change Design in Fairfield; Emma Paradis of Finch Baldwin Design; and Caitlin Swann of The Picket Fence Project in Fairfield.
Jennifer Lanna of Jennifer Lanna Design, who worked on the 2022 event, said Art + Design helps erase a common misconception that art is something that comes into design late in the process. “Choosing artwork at the beginning of the design process is a great thing to do because it sets the tone for the room and it sets the tone for how the client wants to feel in their space,” she says.
Jane Dávila, second from right, and friends at the 2023 Art + Design.
The designers can use the works shown in the lookbook, visit the particular artist’s studio to choose something else, or commission a new work, augmenting their space with wallpaper, furnishings, and decorative pieces. And the fine artists creating in the building include painters, printmakers, sculptors, photographers, weavers, and artists working in jewelry, illustration, fibers, and mixed media who appreciate the opportunity to showcase their work to visitors from across the state. The vignettes can be fantasy spaces or tailored to current trends. The best part, Jane says, is they showcase both creators’ vision.
“Without artwork, I personally don’t think a space is fully designed,” says 2022 designer Mary Benz of The Affect. “Without art, you don’t have a full space.”
Art + Design is a great example of Metro Art Studios overall approach to its relationship with its artists and the community. While artists generally have their personal spaces to create, the members often gain inspiration chatting with fellow artists in the hall or visiting others’ studios. The site hosts a professional development event, Artist WorkLab, the first Wednesday of each month to help artists learn to showcase and market their work.
The Art + Design event provides inspiration for community members looking for ways to enliven their homes and find and personally connect with artists and designers in a “one-stop shopping” space.
Charlotte Smith of At Charlotte’s House, who designed one of the past spaces, said the event also shows designers and artists how similar their work is.
“You’re bringing colors together,’’ she says. “You’re bringing balance.”
As Jane sees it, it’s a win-win situation.
“It’s an ideal way to show the connection to interior design and fine art and how each complements the other and makes for more meaningful living and working spaces,” Jane says. “It shows you how to invigorate your space and your life.”
Metro Art Studios, 345 Railroad Ave., Bridgeport is open from 12 to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and by appointment. For more information, visit metroartstudios.org
Designer Zac Mathias' 2023 vignette.
By designer Andrea Cross.
“It’s an ideal way to show the connection to interior design and fine art and how each complements the other and makes for more meaningful living and working spaces.”
By designer Bevan Talbott.
MEALS ON A Mission
FILLING IN THE BLANKS IS WORKING TO END CHILDHOOD HUNGER IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY.
ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY
The Mobile Pantry, purchased with support from The Rhimes Foundation.
The Filling In The Blanks team at the Mobile Pantry.
There are more than 200,000 students in Connecticut receiving free or reduced lunch, a number that is trending upwards. Many of those children don’t have enough to eat on the weekends, either. This moved New Caanan moms Shawnee Knight, who received free and reduced lunch as a kid, and her friend Tina Kramer, who used food assistance programs as a young, single mom, to try and do something for these students. Tina had read an article about an organization called Blessings in a Backpack, which provided weekend meal bags to children. The friends signed up as program coordinators, but they knew they could do more. So in 2013, they started their own 501(C)3: Filling In The Blanks. Filling In The Blanks has “exploded” over the last 11 years, says Tina. For $10 per bag, they created kits with namebrand foods for kids to eat Friday night through Monday morning, and demand, unfortunately, is sky-high. “When we started back in 2013, we worked out of a house in New Canaan—we had the local kids from the football teams come and take the food off the trucks hand over hand,” she says. “Fast forward seven years, we moved into a 7,500 square foot warehouse in Norwalk and have 7,000 volunteers that come through our doors every single year to help pack the bags.”
Shoppers at the Mobile Pantry in Stamford pick fresh produce.
“The funds raised from the event all go right back to the kids.”
They’ve also launched new initiatives. Last fall, Filling In The Blanks teamed up with Shonda Rhimes’ The Rhimes Foundation to purchase a truck and get the seed money to start a mobile pantry, which has served nearly 6,000 people and 350,000 pounds of fresh food in just one year. The pantry offers fresh, farmer’s-market quality produce and perishables to more than 500 families a month, in Norwalk on the second Saturday each month and Stamford on the third. In addition to food, the Saturday set-ups include community providers with everything from flu shots to information on how to sign up for Husky health and dental insurance. “The other month, I saw this little boy walking and holding his dad's hand, and he said ‘This is the best market I've ever been to,’” recalls Shawnee. That’s their goal— for it to feel like a great experience for all their families—one that just happens to be free. Five years ago, Filling In The Blanks began another way to support that goal: their Plates With Purpose dinner, held this year on October 5. The dinner is a chance for superstar local chefs— this year’s lineup includes Chefs Luke Venner of Elm, Damon Sawyer of 29 Markle Ct, Anthony Kostelis of The Whelk, Jared Falco of Bar Rosina's, Andréa Stevenson of Abigail Kirsch, Hannah Gorman of Revel with
DinnerThyme, and Robert VanKeuren of Flour Water Salt Bread—to raise funds for the organization. Luke, who has been involved since the inaugural Plates With Purpose, says the event just made sense. “Being a chef, it’s my nature to feed people when they’re hungry— or happy, or sad, or angry!” he says. “The idea of doing a big dinner with other local chefs involved came together quickly.”
Luke is especially excited for this year’s, which will be held at The Loading Dock in Stamford. “We finally got chefs from all of the different communities where Filling In The Blanks has outreach,” he says. “It's the best lineup we've ever had, in my opinion. They're my peers and friends, and I eat at their restaurants all the time.”
Of course, it’s more than just a fun night of delicious food. “The funds raised from the event will go directly to our weekend meal program, our mobile pantry program, and our in-school pantries,” says Tina. “It all goes right back to the kids.”
Tickets to Plates With Purpose start at $350 and can be purchased at fillingintheblanks.org Plates With Purpose will be held on October 5, 2024, at The Loading Dock in Stamford, 375 Fairfield Ave.
ARTICLE BY MARISA MACLEAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WINVIAN
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
ESCAPE TO WINVIAN WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY.
Imagine a place where the boundaries between imagination and reality blur, where every corner holds a new surprise, and where your family’s dreams come to life—that’s exactly what we found at Winvian. Nestled in the Litchfield Hills, this distinguished Relais & Châteaux, AAA FiveDiamond property features 18 uniquely themed cottages, each designed by a different architect to capture a piece of Connecticut’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The pool. Photo courtesy Winvian.
The Woodlawn Dining Room. Photo courtesy Winvian.
“Winvian isn’t just another luxury resort— it’s a place that offers a distinct and memorable experience, one we’re already looking forward to revisiting.”
We took a recent trip to Winvian, as they now welcome children of all ages. For our family, the Helicopter Cottage truly brought the magic to life. The look on our son’s face as he saw the fully restored 1968 Sikorsky Sea King Pelican helicopter that dominated the room was priceless. The interior, transformed into a sleeping nook, allowed him to live out his dream of spending the night in a real helicopter. Our daughter was equally captivated—for her, it was the pool, which quickly became her favorite spot.
The cottage combined the charm of a woodsy retreat with the luxurious comforts you’d expect from a Five-Diamond property. The oversized soaking tub was perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring, and the radiant heated floors and fireplace added a cozy warmth that made us feel right at home. Every detail was curated to make the space feel like a page out of a storybook.
Dining at Winvian was a standout part of our stay. The Restaurant at Winvian is led by Executive Chef Chris Eddy, who, prior to helming the award-winning kitchen, worked in the worlds of Alain Ducasse and Daniel Boulud. He brings a philosophy of “seed-to-table” to life with a menu that changes daily, based on what’s freshest from Winvian’s three-acre organic farm and greenhouses.
Nearly everything on the menu is sourced directly from the property. One evening, we enjoyed a tender lamb ragout paired with handmade pasta that was comforting and refined. The setting also enhanced the experience— one of the strikingly redesigned dining
The interior of the Helicopter Cottage. Photo courtesy Winvian.
rooms opened to the lush outdoors and an intimate terrace by a babbling brook. (And if you have picky eaters in your family, rest assured that the restaurant is happy to accommodate kid-friendly favorites like chicken tenders and french fries.)
While the Cottage and dining were highlights, we spent our days exploring the property, taking bike rides – each cottage comes with two bicycles— and trying the resort’s unique activities. One of the most special moments for me was bonding with my kids during a stained glass workshop. Everyone loved the pool, and in the evenings, the whole family gathered around the fire pit to toast s’mores.
I also took the opportunity to sneak away for a deep tissue massage at the Spa at Winvian. Voted the best resort spa in the U.S. by the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, the spa provided exactly the escape I needed. The tranquil setting, with a wood-burning fireplace in the treatment room, made it a truly refreshing break during our stay.
As we prepared to leave, there was a shared feeling that we had experienced something truly special. Winvian isn’t just another luxury resort—it’s a place that offers a distinct and memorable experience, one we’re already looking forward to revisiting. winvian.com
The Spa at Winvian. Photo courtesy Winvian.
The exterior of the Library Cottage
WESTPORT
DiscoverWestportCT's picks for the best Halloween activities around Westport.
ARTICLE BY ALEX WATERWORTH
1. WESTPORT HALLOWEEN PARADE: westportdowntown.com/halloween
Children are encouraged to dress up to trick-or-treat along Main Street for Westport’s annual Halloween parade on October 25. Meet on the Veteran’s Green at 3:30 p.m. for refreshments and entertainment!
2. STEW LEONARD'S PUMPKIN PALOOZA: stewleonards.com/danbury-fall-weekends/
4. HARVEST FAIR AFTER DARK: harvestfairafterdark.com/animatronics 1 3 2 4 5
Those who purchase a pumpkin at Stew’s in Norwalk on October 12 - 14 between 11am - 5pm are invited to a complimentary pumpkin painting event in Stew’s Garden Shop.
3. WAKEMAN FARMS ACTIVITIES: 203local.com/event/halloween-fun-at-the -farm-a-spooktacular-outing-for-the-littles/
Get into the Halloween spirit with your little ones at Wakeman Town Farm. Join the festive parade around the gardens and animal enclosures, while enjoying seasonal treats.
Take a hayride through the haunted trails and explore the House of Frankenstein. See classic movie monsters or enjoy a snack and seasonal drink from the beer garden.
5. A HAUNTING AT MILL HILL:
Take a lantern-lit tour through the Old Mill Hill graveyard and hear bone-chilling tales based on events from Norwalk's History.
6. HALLOWEEN BITES AROUND WESTPORT:
Get into the pumpkin spice spirit with seasonal food and drinks from around Westport, like at Kneads Bakery, one of many spots in town with a wide assortment of pumpkin-infused foods and seasonal drinks.
7.HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR AT THE WESTPORT YMCA:
Calling all ghosts and ghouls! Wear a costume and join the fun! Family-friendly activities for children up to age 10.
8.MONTE CARLO MASQUERADE: westporthistory.org/gala/
The Westport Museum of History and Culture will be hosting a Halloween fundraiser on October 26 at the Westport Women’s Club. Enjoy games, signature cocktails, delicious food, unique silent auction items and live music.
9.STEPPING STONES MUSEUM TRICKS AND TREATS WEEK: steppingstonesmuseum.org/experience/ events-2024#tricks-and-treats-week
Tricks and Treats Week is returning starting October 19 with new spook-tacular programming. Visit any day of the week for ghoulish fun and frighteningly festive daily activities. Costumes encouraged!
10.WESTPORT WINDOW PAINTING CONTEST: westportwestonchamber.com/halloween/
On October 26th, kids will paint windows either requested or assigned to them. Judges will then come around and determine winners based on three different criteria and age/school for 6 total winners, in Scariest Artwork, Best Halloween Theme, and Most Creative.
Fun at the YMCA.
SEE WELL LIVE WELL
C L E A R
OCTOBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
OCTOBER 5TH
Filling In The Blanks: Plates With Purpose
The Loading Dock, 375 Fairfield Ave., Stamford | 6:00 PM
Join chefs including Anthony Kostelis from The Whelk, Damon Sawyer from 29 Markle Ct in Bridgeport, and Luke Venner from Elm in New Canaan to raise funds to support Filling In The Blanks' mission of ending childhood hunger. Tickets include cocktails and dinner. They start at $350 and can be purchased at fillingintheblanks.org.
OCTOBER 5TH
Woodside Bash
Earthplace, 10 Woodside Ln. 7:00 PM
Join Earthplace for their biggest fundraiser of the year: an unforgettable evening under the stars filled with delicious food, signature cocktails, and live entertainment! Tickets, $125 at earthplace.org
OCTOBER 5TH
Kings Of Leon: Can We Please Have Fun
Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater, 500 Broad St., Bridgeport | 8:00 PM
The 2000s rock band brings their Can We Please Have Fun tour to Bridgeport. Tickets from $123, at hartfordhealthcareamp.com
OCTOBER 6TH Fall Festival
Earthplace, 10 Woodside Ln. 10:00 AM
The annual fun returns to Earthplace for a day of food trucks, a climbing wall, animal encounters, and classic fall activities. Tickets are $5 for adults and $10 for children, at earthplace.org
OCTOBER 12TH
An Evening with Brad Tursi of Old Dominion: Parallel Love Tour
The Levitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Rd. 7:30 PM
The Levitt Pavilion season continues this fall with Staples grad Brad Tursi, an award-winning songwriter and member of the band Old Dominion. He will perform selections from his first song collection, Parallel Love. From $27 at levittpavilion.com
Dr.Chuck Noonan Curing animals
OCTOBER 17TH
‘To the State of the Good Life’: Screening and Discussion
Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road 7:00 PM
To the State of the Good Life is a short film exploring the American Dream via DACA Dreamers. The Library will host a screening and discussion with Producer/Director Robert Steven Williams and guests from the film.
OCTOBER 22ND
The 39 Steps
Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct. | 7:00 PM
The first show of the Westport Country Playhouse 2024-2025 season, The 39 Steps is "a fast-paced frenzy of espionage and murderous mayhem" that combines Hitchcock and madcap comedy. Through November 9. From $40, at westportplayhouse.org
ASK THE WESTPORT Plastic Surgery Experts
Doctors Flora Levin and Mark Fisher answer common questions they get about plastic surgery.
FAQ #1: THERE ARE MANY NON-SURGICAL OPTIONS. WHY CONSIDER SURGERY?
Dr. Mark Fisher: Non-surgical options are great, but non-surgical options cannot solve surgical problems. Fillers fill, but don’t lift. Botox relaxes wrinkles, but does not remove them. Plastic surgeons are able to offer both surgical and non-surgical options, so we can guide patients to the solution that best resolves their concerns.
Dr. Flora Levin: Nobody needs cosmetic surgery, but non-surgical procedures will only take you so far. Unfortunately, when it comes to eyes, many issues are surgical and cannot be addressed by tightening skin with a laser or adding filler.
FAQ #2: WHAT IS THE MOST UNDERSTATED PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURE THAT HAS A LARGE IMPACT?
FL: In my field, it’s ptosis correction. Ptosis is a droopy eyelid that's not from hanging skin and makes eyes appear smaller and sleepy. This is often overlooked. Correction makes the eyes look more open and energetic. Ptosis repair is often combined with excess skin removal (blepharoplasty).
MF: Genioplasty, or chin surgery. The chin plays a large role in facial balance and can have a huge impact on the results of a rhinoplasty or facelift.
FAQ #3: IS THERE A COSMETIC PROCEDURE OR PRODUCT THAT YOU WOULD CAUTION PEOPLE ABOUT?
MF: Avoid permanent filler. Threads rarely last more than a few months and leave scarring under the skin. Lastly, any procedure is only as good as the person performing it. Make sure you trust them.
FL: Lash growth serums have a potential side effect of periocular fat atrophy. This can lead to hollow/sunken eye appearance with prolonged use. I recommend taking a break for two or three months after three months of using them.
Find Dr. Mark Fisher at 1391 Post Road E or drmarkfisher.com, and Dr. Flora Levin at 1391 Post Road E or drfloralevin.com
Dr. Mark Fisher
Dr. Flora Levin
CIALOMA