New Canaan, Darien + Rowayton - May/June 2023

to have and to hold

Don’t let colon cancer get a head start

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Worldwide Awards & Recognition

Our reputation as a leader in luxury is unrivaled. Global industry experts at Luxury Lifestyle Awards have named William Raveis among the elite Top 100 Real Estate Brokers and Developers of the World for 2022. Everywhere, from Nice to Naples, Greenwich to Greece, people recognize our luxury brand and luxury personal service from agents who deliver best-in-class experiences.

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Please call for a confidential consultation. We’d love to talk with you.

editorial

editorial director Cristin Marandino

editor Julee Kaplan style & community editor Janel Alexander advisory editor Donna Moffly

art

senior art director Venera Alexandrova senior art director/status report Garvin Burke production director Tim Carr assistant art director Lisa Servidio

contributors editors

Megan Gagnon editor, athome Mary-Kate Hogan editor, stamford

Elizabeth Hole editor, custom publishing Samantha Yanks editor, westport writers

Liz Barron, Tom Connor, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Malia McKinnon Frame, Kim-Marie Galloway

copy editors

Terry Christofferson, David Podgurski

digital

digital director of content strategy Diane Sembrot digital marketing manager Rachel MacDonald digital assistant Lloyd Gabi

business president Jonathan W. Moffly chief revenue officer Andrew Amill editorial director Cristin Marandino director of content strategy Diane Senbrot business manager Elena V. Moffly cofounders John W. Moffly IV and Donna C. Moffly

sales + marketing

Gina Fusco publisher gina.fusco@moffly.com

Jonathan W. Moffly publisher-at-large, greenwich jonathan@moffly.com

Gabriella Mays publisher, westport•weston•wilton gabriella.mays@moffly.com

Andrew Amill publisher, greenwich andrew.amill@moffly.com

Karen Kelly-Micka publisher, stamford, ocean house karen.kelly@moffly.com

Robin O’Hara associate publisher, athome robin.ohara@moffly.com

Hilary Hotchkiss acount executive hilary.hotchkiss@moffly.com

Morgan Howell acount executive morgan.howell@moffly.com

Kathleen Dyke partnership and big picture manager kathleen.godbold@moffly.com

Rachel Shorten events director rachel.shorten@moffly.com

Lemuel Bandala sales assistant lemuel.bandala@moffly.com

Eillenn Bandala business assistant eillenn.bandala@moffly.com

published by

205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880 phone: 203-222-0600 fax: 203-222-0937 mail@mofflymedia.com

Publishers of FAIRFIELD LIVING, GREENWICH, NEW CANAAN - DARIEN, WESTPORT, STAMFORD and athome Magazines advertising inquiries Lemuel Bandala email advertise@mofflymedia.com.

No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher.

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SPRING FEVER

We’ve been hearing for years about New Canaan getting a new modern library, but I really never thought I could be as psyched as I am about this new space. The new New Canaan library finally opened in February and it is something truly special—cover worthy, if you will. The incredible new community space is most definitely a model of perfection for libraries of the future. The impressive architecture is one thing. And sure, there’s books. Lots of books. But this space is so much more than that. From the super-smart book return slot to the stateof-the-art culinary learning facility, maker’s lab, cozy reading nooks, private meeting rooms, landscaped roof deck and children’s exploration garden, this is the library that our charming little town deserves. If you haven’t been yet, make sure you make it a point to go. Grab a coffee and some lunch at The Farmer’s

Grind café inside too. Such a treat.

Speaking of a treat, this issue is filled with fun things to do this spring—as seen in our Insider’s Guide (page 56). We hope you enjoy our ideas for keeping the kids busy, outdoor concerts under the stars, fun new finds for your picnic baskets and places to get your Zen on. We also showcase great new ways to dine locally (page 50), new health and fitness tips and so much more. There’s plenty to do here this spring, so soak it all in and make sure you make the best of it.

Happy Spring!

#1 in Connecticut 5 Fairfield County Locations

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by tom connor

Cocktail Culture

DEAN MAHONEY IS PURSUING THE ‘MERICAN DREAM with reimagined Moscow Mules

Guy walks into a bar. In this case, that’s where the classic joke ends, however, and where the story of a classic local cocktail begins.

Dean Mahoney was sitting in a bar in Santa Monica, California, with friends Pete Weil and Steve Pawlik, when the three observed other customers drinking Moscow mules, one of the most popular cocktails in the country. A blend of ginger, citrus juice and vodka, it is typically served in a copper cup to keep the drink cold while enhancing its flavors.

Intrigued by its ubiquity, Mahoney was surprised to learn that Moscow mules weren’t available on the cocktail-in-a-can shelf. But he was also excited. A graduate of UConn’s School of Business, he and his friends saw

Known for a “margaritalike twist,”the Mexican Mule has tequila, ginger,citrus and lime.

MuleTheSouthern ismade bourbon,withTennessee ginger,hintorangeanda ofcherry.

The Original Mule contains vodka, ginger and lime.

a place at the bar for them in the $250 billion alcoholic beverage industry.

“There just weren’t high-quality, premium liquor, bartender-style cocktails that could be taken anywhere,” he says. “I knew that younger generations wanted products that are of good quality and also convenient.”

Pooling their resources, including a collective draw on credit cards, Mahoney and

his partners formed ‘Merican Mule in 2015 and slowly began accruing market share.

Then in 2020, the Wilton-based Bishop family, who had sold their Blue Buffalo pet food company to General Mills for $8 billion, made what they called a “major investment” in the upstart ready-to-drink cocktail company. The family also signed on as advisors. The infusion of cash and intellectual capital helped.

Today, as founder and CEO, Dean Mahoney overseas a team of ten employees who work out of the company headquarters in South Norwalk and have steadily expanded their line of full-bodied cocktails in a can.

“We make mules for the masses,” he says, “including a Moscow Mule with vodka, a Mexican mule with tequila, a Tropical mule with rum and pineapple and a Southern mule with bourbon and other whiskeys.” The drinks, which contain 7 percent alcohol, come in four-packs that sell for around $14.98.

‘Merican Mules are currently sold in thousands of liquor stores in 18 states, from the Mid-Atlantic to the Southeast and out to the Midwest. But Mahoney, who lives with his family in Fairfield, is beholden to his roots. “We’re a company,” he states, “that was born out of our New England backyards.”

Last year, he and his team launched ‘Merican Mule Light, a low-calorie drink that’s a cross between a cocktail and a seltzer. It’s made with premium American vodka, fresh ginger and natural fruits and flavors—blackberry, blood orange, mango and watermelon.

Now, the young entrepreneur has big ambitions for the little company that could. As he says, “We want to grow this thing to be the leader of all things Moscow Mules, to become a household name, to gain recognition for the brand and to be a local Connecticut company that achieves the ‘Merican dream.”

Dean Mahoney appears to be on his way.

To learn more, visit mericanmule.com

newcanaandarienmag.com

‘Merican Mule’s Founder and CEO, Dean Mahoney, says the company was “born out of our New England backyards.”

At 99 calories each, ‘Merican Mule Light cocktails are a cross between a cocktail and a seltzer.

REINS SUPREME

NEW CANAAN MOUNTED TROOP is a magical place that teaches so much more than just horse riding

by malia mckinnon frame

Nestled off Silvermine Road on the east side of New Canaan lies a beautiful, sprawling barn as idyllic as the surrounding suburban landscape.

“People just exhale the minute they drive down the driveway,” says Caroleigh Evarts, therapeutic director of New Canaan Mounted Troop (NCMT). This barn, steeped in rich history, is an exceptional place where children and adults come to let go of the world’s problems and immerse themselves with horse care, riding and community.

The story of NCMT, often known as Troop, is a real-life fairy tale. It was founded 84 years ago by Margaret Cabell Self, whose name is

recognizable in equestrian circles everywhere. After attending the New York School of Applied Design for Women and the New York School of Art, Self settled in New Canaan with her husband and opened the Silvermine School of Horsemastership with Verl Sturgis Crew in 1929.

The next year as a result of the Great Depression, Self became worried about the barn’s financial stability, so she became an author in order to keep her horses and barn afloat. During her lifetime, she published over 40 fiction and nonfiction books, including The Horseman’s Encyclopedia, Red Clay Country and Riding With Mariles. These titles and many more line the bookshelves of the Troop’s office today.

For 84 years, New Canaan Mounted Troop has worked tirelessly to help bond children to horses in a meaningful way.

CASTLE

DESIGNATESCONNOLLYONS AS A ORTHOPEDIC CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN THE NATION

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Around 1939, Self attended a Junior Cavalry of America ceremony in New Jersey and was so impressed that she enrolled in an officer training class. Not long after, she founded New Canaan Mounted Troop, one of four junior cavalry at the time that were training youth to serve during World War II. She ran NCMT for over 20 years and retired in 1959.

“Self’s mission statement is still practiced today, which is to teach children leadership, responsibility and confidence through sound horsemanship. In 2012, a therapeutic program was begun and the mission was expanded to include enriching the lives of individuals with special needs through equine-assisted activities.

NCMT is a bustling hive of activity every day and it offers several programs, the two largest ones being Super Troopers and Troopers.

“Super Troopers is a therapeutic program that serves children and adults with physical, emotional, developmental and intellectual disabilities,” explains Evarts, who adds that NCMT often receives students who haven’t had success with other programs. “We pride ourselves on a highly individualized approach where we look at the student as a whole, communicate with their therapeutic team to

evaluate how they learn, and then tailor the program for them,” she says.

While some students thrive in a quiet environment without a lot of stimulation, others do better amidst a busy barn day engaging with peers. “Between our therapeutic and horsemanship programs, we treat students one by one and help them in many ways,” she says.

One parent who has two young children participating in NCMT describes it as, “all about leadership, resiliency and learning while becoming part of an incredibly special community. When you realize how impactful horses and the special program can be on your family’s life, you don’t know how you ever lived without it. My son who is autistic looks forward to attending equine therapy twice a week. For him, the sense of purpose and joy he gets from being around horses and doing tasks like pushing a wheelbarrow, sweeping and cleaning saddles is invaluable, it’s an incredibly important part of his life,” she says.

All of NCMT’s therapeutic programs follow the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Intl. (PATH) standards and guidelines, and every instructor who works with students are certified by PATH as either therapeutic riding instructors or equine

Children thrive at the barn by learning to care for their horses before they are ready to become riders. New Canaan Mounted Troop continues to offer therapeutic and horsemanship programs.

“When you realize how impactful horses and the special program can be on your family’s life, you don’t know how you ever lived without it.”

— A NCMT PARENT

specialists in mental health and learning. There’s a structured curriculum, and then teachers get to add in the fun with their own equine-assisted learning activities such as horse grooming, making horse treats, scavenger hunts, or horse leading. Last year, NCMT served just under 200 students in therapeutic programs, and this spring they have over 100 enrolled in their programs starting at age four.

The barn’s Troopers program is a 34-week curriculum that focuses on horsemanship, where students learn everything from managing chores at the barn like organizing the tack room, folding horse laundry, feeding, sweeping the barn aisles to hands-on horse care. “Many of our students participate in equine care but don’t ride, they just benefit from being around the horses,” explains Sara Tucker, executive director of NCMT. “We have the ability to have a child who may start in a therapeutic program then transition to the horsemanship program— they can be with their peers but supported therapeutically at the same time,” she says. Tucker also adds that every child becomes a member of a barn day team, getting to enjoy activities often run by older kids. “Nobody

teaches children like other children, and our older members are amazing mentors to the younger ones. We empower all the kids here, and when given the opportunity for the older ones to step up and mentor the younger ones it’s an amazing thing to see,” she says.

NCMT also offers private, semi-private or group riding lessons. In addition to equine care and riding, their unmounted horsemanship program Little Troopers is open to all children ages four to seven. In groups of four, children

attend a class that teaches barn safety, horse behaviors, grooming and more.

Another special element you’ll find at NCMT is that most of the 27 horses are donated to the barn. “We have capacity for 30 horses, and donations are from people in and out of the community—we’re even lucky enough to get some from the competition world,” says Tucker. When the horses get older and are not able to participate in daily activities, NCMT ensures the care and retirement of every horse.

As an EQUUS Foundation Guardian recipient, “We believe this message of taking care of the horses is an important lesson to pass on to the kids.”

It’s obvious after just a short visit to the barn that the Troop’s volunteers are at the heart of this organization.

“Our volunteers are a critical component of the quality of services we provide. We provide volunteer training for all of our therapeutic programs, whether you’re coming to be a horse leader, side walker or a buddy with one of our students,” notes Tucker.

NCMT has around 100 volunteers involved from age 14 to adults.

“Our days consist of teaching accountability, responsibility kindness and respect. We have a level playing field in this safe space where the rules are the same for everyone, no matter the program or your age, and our comprehensive curriculum and mentorship set us apart,” says Evarts. “The most important thing, however, is our common passion for horses and that each student here is known and needed. Our job is to make sure they know they belong.”

Programs at the barn teach accountability, responsibility, kindness and respect all with an underlying passion for horses.

HER STYLE

by janel alexander

WHETHER THE MOTHER IN YOUR LIFE IS COOL OR CLASSIC — WE’VE GOT HER COVERED

Elle Tweed Blazer, $595,

Style Note Leave the fullness of the blouse untucked, but ground it with a great blazer.

ISABEL MARANT

Tyron Embroidered Logo Baseball Cap, $225, Greenwich; saksfifthavenue.com

LOEWE Flow Rubber Silver Sneaker, $690, Greenwich & Westport; shop.mitchellstores.com

Senior living that rises above the rest.

Our residents all agree on one thing; wishing they had made the move sooner. From the time you walk in the door and experience our stunning verdant atrium, you will see retirement living beyond the ordinary. At Meadow Ridge, you will enjoy a distinctive lifestyle, with refinements such as luxurious apartment homes, gourmet cuisine, impeccable service and exquisite amenities. You will also gain the security of Lifecare, which provides future care at a predictable cost, giving you peace of mind.

To learn more or to schedule a tour, call 203-945-0989 or visit MeadowRidge.com

100 Redding Road | Redding, CT 06896

SYDNEY EVAN

Small Pure Script

Mama Necklace, $510, Greenwich & Westport; shop mitchellstores.com

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Stripe Crewneck, $295, Greenwich & Westport; jennikayne.com

SISLEY

Nutritive Lip Balm, $95, Greenwich, Darien & Westport; bluemercury.com

TROVATA

Cate Blouse, $268, Old Greenwich & Westport; thefredshop.com

Style Note

Throw this cute sweater over your shoulders to break up the floral print.

The Molly Jeans, $195, Greenwich; lalignenyc.com

JACQUEMUS

Le Petite Panier Soli Straw Beach Bag, $475, Saks, Greenwich; saksfifthavenue.com

JENNI KAYNE

LA LIGNE

THE ROW Ava Leather Mary Jane ballet flats, $790; net-a-porter.com

One

DECADENTLY PECULIAR

of the most storied NEW YORK CITY HOTELS HAS OPENED ITS NEWLY RENOVATED DOORS and, trust us, you’ll want to book a room

This is the rare Hotel Chelsea review that doesn’t open with a detailed history of its famous residents (we’ll get to that) or the words “rock ‘n ’ roll vibes.” The 139-year-old Grand Dame has lived many lives, but her latest might be her best. It’s not hard to find a story that bemoans the gentrification or upcycling of the “real New York” landmarks like the Chelsea. In this hotel’s case, however, it would be misplaced nostalgia. The newly renovated and reopened Chelsea shows what’s best about New York—its ability to reinvent itself for the latest age and rage.

left: The marble topped lobby bar is the place to be. right: The inimitable Chelsea is once again a “rest stop for rare individuals.”

Longtime residents who obtained their apartments through the city’s rent stabilization scheme years ago and won the right to stay are still in the hotel alongside guests from around the world. It took eleven years of construction and lawsuits to turn one of the most written about hotels ion earth into what it had never been before, a luxury hotel.

Since it’s not a time machine, you won’t run into Janis Joplin or Andy Warhol in the Lobby Bar. Let’s focus on what the hotel is now—a surprisingly affordable (by New York standards) and design-forward property with service that rivals any Ritz Carlton.

The rooms range from the lowest price point of a Petite Queen to a two-bedroom Pied-à-Terre complete with a full kitchen and washer/dryer. Every room category has the same wealthy-aunt, wabi-sabi feel. Think the neighborhood charm of Tribeca’s Greenwich Hotel mixed with the modern edge luxury of a Pendry property. The room layouts vary wildly, but the furniture is the same throughout—tiger striped

The original iron balconies and stained glass windows remain just as they were when the hotel opened in 1884.

Gargoyles keep watch over one of the many seating areas in the lobby bar.

ANNIE SCHLECHTER; GETTY IMAGES

rates start at: $250 to $300 for a Petite Queen. This might be the best value in the city. The room is small and features an interior view, but that’s New York.

must-book: One-bedroom Pied-à-Terre starting at $1,800 per night. It’s the apartment New York dreams are made of, with a spacious living room and fireplace mantle (the fireplaces are all non-working), full kitchen, dining table that seats six, separate bedroom, one-anda-half baths and ample closet space.

left: One of the Chelsea’s most legendary tenants, Andy

dining at

in the

All guestrooms are outfitted with custom-made textile headboards and Marshall speakers. below: Much of the art was created by residents short on rent money.

left: The interiors were created by hotel co-owner Sean MacPherson. right: Madonna fans might recognize this fireplace mantle; some of the photos from her controversial ’90s book, Sex, were shot here.

Warhol

El Quijote

mid 60s right:

ANNIE SCHLECHTER; HISTORIC PHOTO: DAVID MCCABE

chairs, Victorian-era styled carpets in burgundy and gold, headboards that look like they’re composed of vintage tapestries and purple velour couches. Nespresso machines and Marshall speakers are standard amenities, and any guest, regardless of room price, can request packing and unpacking service.

The hotel lobby was always the place to be, whether you were former resident Betsey Johnson looking for reactions to her latest madcap clothing design, tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of Marilyn Monroe, or a long-term tenant just catching up with friends. Over the years, former manager Stanley Bard occasionally accepted artwork from residents who couldn’t pay the rent. The art was stored during the renovation and is now displayed throughout the hotel, giving it an art gallery feel in the best way. The lobby has an upright piano in the corner, lush sofas, a smattering of the original chairs and a large chandelier. The original mail organizer backs the front desk with a letter slot for each room where one can imagine Arthur Miller picking up commission checks or Sid Vicious maybe a warrant. The cubbies now contain room keys with red tassels and opulent brass hardware, a nice change from plastic key cards.

Around the corner from the lobby is the venerable Lobby Bar where, on any given day, the crowd is a mix of movie producers, celebs, wannabes and Joe and Ida visiting from Milwaukee. Surprisingly, the hotel has never had a bar until now, but you’d never know it when you walk in. The marble topped bar is in a room that can best be described as unearthed architectural glamour. Under the tacky carpeting they found original mosaic tile flooring and a cheap drop ceiling concealed intricate molding with original

turn-of-the-century gargoyles. The seating is overseen on most nights by the charismatic trans hostess Taylor. You can’t miss her captivating smile and Coco Chanel worthy fashion sense. The lobby bar is a must visit. It’s open from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily. Only hotel guests can make reservations. Everyone else is seated on a first come, first served basis. Enjoy the dirty martini oysters, and ask one of the bartenders to make any craft cocktail you can imagine. They are true mixologists.

Hotel guests can order room service or slip downstairs and grab a leather banquette at the original and recently reopened El Quijote Spanish restaurant. A second restaurant and rooftop spa and fitness center are under construction. Guests are given day passes to a nearby fitness center until the gym opens, if hoofing it around the city isn’t enough exercise.

The Chelsea still has the heart of an artist, but one who’s grown up and started using the good china.

left: The hotel’s kitschy El Quijote, founded in 1930, is New York’s oldest Spanish restaurant. • The cocktail menu includes drinks inspired by iconic bars from around the world.

above: Caviar with potato chips and beer cream below: The mid-century seating was reupholstered with olive green and floral velvets in patterns that the owners have nicknamed Grandma-chic and Rich Old Lady.

The mid-century seating was reupholstered with olive green and floral velvets in patterns that the owners have nicknamed Grandma-chic and Rich Old Lady.

Super Natural

Escape to WILDFLOWER FARMS, where upstate ease blends with luxury accommodations

by megan gagnon

The Hudson Valley has exploded with hospitality options over the last few years, beckoning city (and suburb) dwellers to discover a quieter, slower pace, complete with bucolic landscapes, picturesque mountain ranges, and lakes and streams that weave along wooded trails. The

latest addition—and perhaps the most-anticipated—is Wildflower Farms, a country-chic retreat with Auberge Resorts Collection amenities on 140 secluded acres in Gardiner, New York.

Owners Kristin and Phillip Rapoport know all too well about the necessity of the weekend reset. After many trips from NYC to Gardiner—where they’d initially visited for rock-climbing excursions—the couple bought a home in the area. Years later, they acquired the land that would become Wildflower Farms, a site that was once a tree nursery, set against the background of Shawangunk Ridge (“the Gunks,” as it’s known locally). They enlisted the help of business partner Zachary Kleinhandler, and now—as managing directors for the resort—the Rapoports invite

guests to fall in love with the region, too.

Stroll the orchards, get your hands dirty with a tour of the namesake farm, and take

advantage of seasonal activities, including those happening at Maplehouse, an interactive education center where visiting chefs test new recipes and

left: Enjoy live music and local beverages in The Green Room. middle: The best seats at Wildflower Farms are outside, among the 360-degree Hudson Valley views right: Black angus tartare—topped with fresh yolk and served with burnt sourdough—from Clay’s creative menu.

local artisans host pottery and baking workshops. Don’t forget to schedule a treatment at Thistle—the gorgeous spa dedicated to wellness and therapeutic bodywork—after a day’s hike or foraging mission.

A trip back to your cabin— one of 65 on the property— reveals minimalist architecture and décor inspired by the surrounding land. Design firm Ward + Gray pulled together warm wood, rich leather, handmade accents,

and textiles in shades that coordinate with the changing leaves.

And those eggs you collected earlier while visiting the chicken coop? They can be prepared for you at the resort’s restaurant, Clay, ensuring a true farm-totable experience. Chef Rob Lawson utilizes local ingredients (many grown or raised on-site) for his New American menu. Pairing a Berkshire pork chop or dry-aged porterhouse with wine from one of the carefully selected New York vintners will only make your meal more memorable.

The best place to end your day (or start your morning) is sitting around the giant fire pit on The Great Porch, an open-air anchor and gathering spot at the center of the property’s entrance. Grab a cozy chair and a craft cocktail, and take in the sweeping views of Hudson Valley’s natural beauty.

Wildflower Farms

2702 Main Street Gardiner, NY 12525 aubergeresorts.com/ wildflower-farms

GET A ROOM

GARDEN VARIETY

There are multiple places to unwind in the Meadow Cottage, including at the built-in window seat, in front of the gas fireplace, or in the freestanding soaking bathtub.

SUITE LIFE

With 1,150 square feet inside and additional outdoor space, there is plenty of room to spread out in the Ridge Suite. Bring the whole family, knowing you can indulge in the private cedar hot tub, when necessary.

OUTSIDE, IN

The Bower Cabins offer a chance to take in the canopy of surrounding trees from your personal terrace.

above: Sample the seasonal culinary selection in Clay’s elevated rustic dining room.

above: Get back to nature among the fields of namesake wildflowers.

With floor-to-ceiling windows in each cabin, you’ll always have the best view.

left: Take advantage of the outdoor shower in the Ridge Suite. top, right: The saltwater pool at Thistle sits at the heart of the spa. bottom, right: Cottages were designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape.

Spa & Savor

Monday, June 26th, 2023

Shorehaven Golf Club, 14 Canfield Ave, Norwalk

For sponsorship opportunities: Nikki LaFaye at nikki@carvercenterct.org or (203) 945-9665

Your generosity closes opportunity gaps for 2,500+ children attending 22 schools in Norwalk and Bridgeport carvernorwalk.org

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Healthy Glow

Tips and Techniques for MORE YOUTHFUL SKIN

While the fountain of youth may not exist, the good news is there are more preventative and corrective cosmetic treatments readily available than ever before.

From Botox to lasers and filler to surgery, there are seemingly endless options for improving our aesthetics. We reached out to Dr. Flora Levin, a Board Certified Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Eyelid Surgery & Rejuvenation, based in Westport, to learn more about ways to regain and maintain the appearances that make us feel our best. Here’s what she had to say…

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PREVENTATIVE ANTI-AGING TREATMENTS?

Sunscreen is always number one, it gives you the biggest bang for your buck. Sun protection is an investment in the way that you’re going to look as you age and everything else is really a waste of time if you’re not focused on that. Retin-A and Retinol also play a big role in anti-aging, these products increase skin cell turnover by helping shed layers of skin at a more rapid rate and allow products to better penetrate the skin. Antioxidants like vitamin C are also pillars of good early skin care. Lifestyle factors like proper sleep, nutrition, hydration and not smoking all play a role in the way one’s skin is going to look down the line. Genetics also have a lot to do with how someone is going to age. If you see that one of your parents isn't aging well you want to do all that you can preventatively, at least controlling the factors that you can.

In terms of procedural treatments, Botox can be started fairly early and small amounts can

be preventative, look very natural and help stop lines from becoming problematic over time. If someone has a tendency toward making repetitive facial movements in areas where they carry strong expressions (think frown lines or the 11’s between the eyebrows) wrinkles are going to form, but Botox can very successfully treat these. Static wrinkles, however, are those that are present all the time, regardless of expression, and once those set in, they are very hard to get rid of; they can be softened but may never fully go away.

WHERE/WHEN IS FILLER USED AS OPPOSED TO BOTOX?

Filler and Botox work completely differently. Botox weakens muscles, thus reducing wrinkles. Filler, on the other hand, is a gel that fills a deficiency, a hollowness or an indentation. In different age groups, fillers are used for different purposes. In young patients, fillers are used to enhance or balance facial features. Examples of that would be someone wanting fuller lips, looking for a stronger chin to better balance the face, or having

LASER TREATMENTS & HOW THEY WORK

DARK SPOTS

IPL (intense pulsed light) lasers are the best for dark spots as your first line of defense. They work by using varying wavelengths of light, which are determined by the depth of the pigment, to bring dark spots to the surface and then eventually flake off

This type of laser is usually done two to three times a year, depending on skin type. To maintain results, wearing sunscreen is integral. IPL lasers can also help with skin types that are prone to rosacea, so patients presenting with redness and dark spots can kill two birds with one stone. Treatments can help stimulate collagen and also be specifically targeted for spot management for those without diffused pigmentation.

good! As long as you have someone who knows what they are doing, these procedures are safe, highly effective and produce very satisfying results.

dark circles. As we age, we start to lose volume in our faces due to atrophy of the fat pads and bone resorption. This is often seen as depressions in the temples, indents on the sides of the nose and nasolabial folds, flattening of the cheeks and shadowing in the corners of the mouth (marionette lines). Fillers can be used to improve those deficiencies, reducing the shadows and making the person look more youthful. There are many different fillers on the market, some thicker, some thinner, some more or less stretchy. Various parts of the face require products with characteristics ideal for that specific area.

WHEN IS SURGERY WARRANTED OVER INJECTIONS OR LASERS?

IMPROVED ELASTICITY/ BETTER SKIN TEXTURE/ YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN

VEINS/BROKEN BLOOD VESSELS

IPL lasers can help with veins as well, because they have a vascular-specific ND:YAG laser is the best choice for larger and more prominent veins and vessels, like those on the legs, face, chin and the blue veins that some see under their eyes. Sometimes we mix and match lasers and will use IPL for capillaries around the nose and then the ND:YAG for the bigger areas. We have actually seen an uptick in patients coming from out of state for these treatments because, yes, our laser nurse Kate (@ ) is that

Many of the lasers used for those looking to attain these types of results have commodity names that people have heard of before like “Fraxel” or “FraxPro.” These treatments use a combination of deep and superficial wavelengths that come at fractionated specific intervals. Older lasers were not fractionated and came with much longer recovery time, but these modern and improved versions are much more precise, safer and make the recovery faster and easier. Most patients have a few days of redness and rough-feeling skin, but that’s it. The combination of lasers that penetrate the skin more deeply and those that are more superficial can be a great way to enhance glow and decrease pore size. These procedures are generally done two or three times and then repeated annually for maintenance.

Unfortunately, aging also brings loose skin and descent. Non-surgical modalities have limitations. Fillers fill and may soften or camouflage, but they don’t get rid of the bulging or sagging (i.e. jowls). In those instances, surgery may be indicated. A blepharoplasty is one of the most common and least invasive surgical procedures that many younger patients choose to undergo, as the eyelid area often ages before others. Ultimately, a facelift is the only definitive way to restore youthful facial anatomy. Modern facelift techniques allow for natural and long-lasting results.

ARE THERE ANY VITAMINS OR SUPPLEMENTS YOU FIND HELPFUL FOR SKIN AND HAIR HEALTH?

I like fish oil. We need the omega-3 fatty acids it provides, and it’s also good for hair, skin and nails. Vitamin B is also important for healthy looking skin, and I like Nutrafol for hair. I don’t really think that collagen supplements work. By the time they go through your gut, these supplements are so processed and broken down that I don’t think they can be as effective as claimed.

About Dr. Flora Levin

Dr. Levin resides in Westport with her husband and three children. Her practice is located in Westport at 1391 Post Road East, 2nd Floor. For more information on Dr. Levin and her practice, visit floralevin.com or follow @floralevinmd on Instagram.

•

oral hygiene (preventative care)

• periodontal screening & treatment • mercury free tooth colored fillings

• porcelain & gold onlays, crowns and bridges • dental implants

• treatment for bruxism & tooth grinding

• root canals • intraoral camera • x-rays

• DENTAL COSMETICS • porcelain dental veneers, porcelain onlays, crowns & bridges • dental bondings

Zoom™ teeth whitening • Invisalign

With an emphasis on excellence in dentistry taking the time to get to know patients, Dr. Harbottle has created an exceptional practice that is recognized as the best in our community Please

MAIN EVENT

Local trainer JAMAL BEAU opens a boxing and fitness studio in New Canaan

Health and fitness are top priority for many of us, and there's no doubt that finding fun ways to stay motivated can bring long-term success. Jamal Beau, CEO and founder of Beau’s Boxing & Fitness LLC, located at 162 Main Street in New Canaan, is helping clients of all ages find the drive they need to stay focused and get fit. After working in New Canaan as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for 12 years, and building a fiercely dedicated following, opening a gym in his hometown was a no-brainer.

Beau was first introduced to boxing at the age of 12 by his grandfather Jimmy Beau, a New Canaan

native who held the New England middleweight title in the 1950s. During his career, the elder Beau fought in Madison Square Garden, Fenway Park and Buenos Aires. He defeated one-time middleweight world champion Paul Pender in the fifth round with a right hook that was so hard Pender couldn't get off the mat at Boston Garden. “My grandfather said boxing would change my life and it did,” recalls Beau.

First opening its doors in October, the boxing gym provides a “fun, safe, effective and efficient

workout so clients can stick to the program for the long haul,” says Beau. Beau’s Boxing & Fitness offers a wide range of classes, personal training and group classes for both adults and children, starting at age five. “Boxing is a complete fitness system. It stimulates muscle growth, enhances muscle endurance, as well as providing good cardio that helps strengthen your heart and gives you more energy. And because boxing utilizes practically the entire body in a variety of movements, your body

Jamal Beau’s grandfather, the middleweight world champion boxer, surrounded by supporters.

Jamal Beau in his new boxing and fitness studio on Main Street in New Canaan.

photography by andrea carson

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becomes a calorie-burning machine. It’s different from other forms of exercise because it’s fun! Boxing can also improve your abilities in other sports,” says Beau.

One of the best parts of Beau’s classes is that not only do they span across all age groups, but they are also inclusive for a wide range of experience and ability levels. Whether a newbie to fitness or a veteran in the ring, there’s something for everyone. From boxing and kickboxing, to HIIT and teen fitness classes and holistic-based health coaching, the gym has extensive offerings. Beau even trains those with physical disabilities, like Parkinson’s disease, and consistently ensures that each one of his clients has the attention and appropriately tailored program to meet their individual needs.

Beau’s team of trainers are experts in working with children and helping them develop

hand-eye coordination, self-defense and confidence as well as inner and outer strength. “Boxing is a great way to develop confidence in kids; those who participate in boxing work through their fears. They learn that they are stronger than they think and can handle the pressure of competing. Kids who box also learn to be more disciplined and consistent,” says Beau. With continued success and an evergrowing group of clients dedicated to fitness, Beau hopes to expand and open more gyms in the future.

Originally from Monterey, CA, Beau resides in New Canaan with his wife, four children and two French bulldogs. Having grown up spending time landscaping with his father, when he’s not helping whip clients into shape at his gym, Beau can be found in his yard starting new outdoor projects around his home.

“MY GRANDFATHER SAID BOXING WOULD CHANGE MY LIFE AND IT DID.”

- JAMAL BEAU

PHOTO, CONTRIBUTED

above: Beau believes that boxing regularly can help with confidence and inner and outer strength. below: Beau's grandfather continues to be an inspiration.

FROM THE DOCK TO YOUR PLATE, ROWAYTON SEAFOOD RESTAURANT SERVES ELEVATED CUISINE WITH AN AUTHENTIC FEEL

An amazing waterfront view in a historic village doesn’t guarantee a restaurant success for 28 years. It takes a family, deeply rooted in the community, and a devoted team to create the atmosphere, hospitality and great food that has pleased generations of guests.“My view is to never assume the customer is coming back. Always keep improving and hire good people,” says

owner Kevin Conroy. Since Conroy opened The Restaurant in 1996, it’s never stood still. The sunny, window-filled dining room, with its wide floorboards, sailcloth curtains hanging from an old ship’s mast Conroy varnished, and framed fish flags from the Catalina Tuna Club, has kept an atmosphere of simple, old-school sophistication. The rest has evolved over the years. The Porch was enclosed, a yachting floor of teak

Owner Kevin Conroy reels in a yellowfin tuna.

A new synergy between The Market and The Restaurant has increased a focus on sustainability and local products. Customers can call in orders of fried seafood and order lobster bakes, and the cases are filled with gorgeous, fresh slabs of tuna, piles of plump scallops, and whole sides of salmon. The grab-and-go area offers chowder, lobster bisque, hand-rolled dumplings, and fresh sushi made in-house. Retail shelves are curated with bottles of Rowayton Water, the Restaurant’s specially bottled Provençal rosé, sustainable gourmet products and branded merch like baseball caps, T-shirts and totes.

and holly installed, and with views of the docks and the Five Mile River from every seat, it became a favorite dining spot.

The last year has seen even more upgrades. Upstairs, the Crow’s Nest, a private room for smaller events, has a retractable ceiling and stunning sunset views. Outside, The Deck has a state-of-the-art tent with retractable sides, which extends outdoor dining beyond sunny days and throughout the winter (it’s heated).

The Restaurant’s food continues to shine. From classics—shrimp cocktail, clam chowder, and any fish simply grilled, sautéed or roasted— to contemporary—hamachi crudo with blood orange,

miso cod with bok choy and barramundi “Milanese” with creamed leeks, fingerling potatoes and haricots verts— the seafood is fresh.

This iconic spot is anchored in Kevin’s background as a fisherman. The dynamic, Hemingway-esque angler and businessman holds a commercial fisherman’s license. He and son Henry go free-dive spearfishing in Florida as well as fishing 100 miles off the coast of Montauk in Long Island. The 400-pound bluefin tuna Conroy pulled in from the Atlantic Ocean after a two-hour fight, was on the menu within 24 hours at Rowayton Seafood—and for sale in a display case at The Market.

The Restaurant’s wine list features both classics and hard-to-find wines. Curated by the sommelier, it covers a wide price range, from $35 to $2,400, and earned a Two Glass Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator.

Everything is a family affair. Barbara Conroy handles branding and marketing, while daughter Grace does social media, and Wilson is a server and part of the R&D team. Barbara is working on a book about the Restaurant and Market that celebrates stories from the sea, focusing on family and community and how seafood is sustainably raised and caught. It will hit the Market’s shelves December

2023. Rowayton Seafood’s community extends to artisan producers, such as Flour, Water, Salt, Bread in Darien; Michelle’s Pies in Norwalk; Millstone Farm in Wilton; and Nit Noi hand-rolled dumplings. Local seafood includes Copp’s Island Oysters from Norm Bloom in Norwalk, branzino farmed at Ideal Fish in Waterbury, and mussels and scallops from small shellfish harvesters through Maine Fisherman’s Association. “We continue to discover new collaborations,” Barbara says. Whether guests come by boat, by foot or by car, they’re welcomed by a friendly, talented staff and a happy-tobe-here atmosphere.

“My view is to never assume the customer is coming back. Always keep improving and hire good people.”

— KEVIN CONROY, OWNER OF ROWAYTON SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

money matters

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

SECOND HOME SMARTS

Julie Walsh, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty Westport, can help you figure out the answer. Or at least ask yourself the right questions. Often, deciding whether to buy or to rent a vacation home comes down to dollars and sense, versus dollars and cents.

perhaps you have a family connection there or some other emotional draw.

Temperatures are heating up. Is your desire to get out of town climbing as well?

If so, where to this year? A new locale you haven’t explored before, or the same summer spot your family or friends flock to each year? If it’s the latter, someone in your group will no doubt make that annual pronouncement: “Wouldn’t it be great to buy a place here?”

Would it?

“Is it worth it financially to buy a vacation home? People say, ‘It’s okay, because I can always sell it,’ but markets change all the time when it comes to buying and selling a home. Instead, you have to ask yourself, ‘Why do I like coming there? Why am I renting? Why do I want to buy?’” That bit of soul searching can help clarify what you decide, Walsh says.

If your summer plans are the same this year—to return to the same spot as last year and years past with your children or your partner—then buying a place there might seem like the right answer, especially if you can just jump in the car and be there in a couple of hours. You know and like the area,

SUMMER SWAP

To make sure you should buy, “you have to try living there,” Walsh says. Rent for a long term and do some fact-finding while you’re there. “You have to ask every question. Ask the building inspectors, is any new construction going on?

If you’re near the water, when was the last disaster? What does it cost to insure? What about hurricanes? What were the snow levels?” Even if you can’t stay there due to work or school, you’ll realize how often you and your loved ones want to dash off there, versus somewhere else. And think long-term. Will the house be as attractive as you, your partner and your children age?

Walsh, a native of Australia who lives in Westport, speaks from experience. Here in the United States, her family returned to their happy places—Lake Placid and the Virgin Islands—with regularity. Then their son discovered Jackson Hole,

a destination the whole family now loves. Instead of buying a place there to ski, Walsh’s son rents a big house for a month and everybody chips in. That gets him an extended stay in a beautiful place without having to be a homeowner. “People in his age group would rather be able to do an Airbnb and still have money in their pocket,” she says.

If you do decide to buy, do the math. Thanks to inflation, the twenty-year fixed mortgage rate doubled in 2022 and has zigged and zagged this year. Tack on a half to one percent more for a mortgage for a vacation home. Plus, you’ll need at least a 10 percent downpayment to qualify, as loans for a second home are riskier than for a main residence. Paying the mortgage, utilities, taxes, insurance, repairs, maintenance and the like happens year-round, whether you occupy the home or not. And don’t forget to add in the cost of those fun vacationy things that appealed to you in the first place. ND

Get this, lower Fairfield County homeowners: We’re living in a summer hot spot! The very homes that we’re escaping fetch handsome rental fees from out-of-towners, Walsh says. “Because of the nature of Fairfield County, you’ve got everything here at your doorstep.” This includes myriad recreational options on the shoreline and in the woods, summer camps for kids, music venues in cities and towns, and New York City but a train ride away. As eager as we might be to explore someplace new, someone is just as eager to come here. Many New Yorkers don’t blink at paying $25,000 to $30,000 a month in the summertime for a down-County home with a pool, Walsh reports. And travelers from abroad might happily trade a month in their home in Tuscany or the south of France for a month in yours.

Julie Walsh

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JOSH GREENE Josh Greene Design

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YOUNG HUH Young Huh Interior Design PHILIP GORRIVAN Philip Gorrivan Design

people&PLACES

Perfect Match

To support local youth from the Norwalk/Stamford Grassroots Tennis & Education Program, 280 guests attended the Grand Slam Gala for Grassroots. The event, which raised nearly $300,000, featured a live and silent auction as well as a fun ping-pong competition. The nonprofit’s mission is to “help youth build strength of character and a foundation for success on the tennis court, in the classroom and in life.” grassrootste.org »

4

Rita

5

Jayne Jepsen, Nicole Brady, Janet Lee, Tara Cochran, Rachel Greenspon, Susan Stone, Evan Clark, Harlan Stone, Michelle Mauboussin, Melissa Escajadillo, Holly Hurd, Liz Mackie, Maha Mostofi, Alex Howe, David Kimani 6 Melissa Escajadillo, Holly Hurd, Alexandra Howe, Shelby Smith 7 Cake pops 8 Garrett and Sarah Loefflman 9 Samantha Hayes, Senior Manager Development & Communications Grassroots, with Michelle Mauboussin, Kelly Hoffman

1 Co-Board Chair Sean Cahill presents award to Roy Anderson, Advisory Board Chair, along with Harlan Stone, Gala Co-Chair. 2 Executive Director David Kimani with committee members Evan Clark, Co-Chairs Harlan Stone and Michelle Mauboussin, Jayne Jepsen, Rachel Greenspon 3 Faycal Rhazali, Dir. of Racquets at Tokeneke Club, with Jim and Kate Kane, Laura Fitzpatrick, Ian Smith, Aldrin Dinya, Senior Tennis Pro at Tokeneke Club, Steve Fitzpatrick, Holly Hurd

Grassroots staffers

Duenwald, Kirina Gair-MacMichael

Committee:

GRASSROOTS TENNIS & EDUCATION / Wee Burn Country Club

THE DEPOT YOUTH CENTER / Woodway Country Club

Supporting Youth

Billed as the “hottest ticket in town,” The Darien Depot Youth Center held a 1980s-themed party headlined by New York City-based cover band Rubix Kube. Nearly 400 costume-clad guests attended the annual fundraiser for The Depot, which provides local teens and tweens a safe, judgment-free place away from home and school to connect, grow and give back. Highlights from the ’80s After Dark event included live music, signature cocktails, a silent auction and a festive contest for the best dance moves and most creative costumes. dariendepot.com »

Jenny

Shelby Smith, Melissa Stone, Akshay Das, Jennifer Erdlen, Laura Bremer, Kaitlyn Troy, Andrea Callagy

Casey McBride, Elizabeth Hole 2 Best Group Costume Winners: Tracy McKeone, Brett McKeone, Christina Galligan, John Galligan 3 Depot staff member Tyler Panourgias 4 Mary Connell Lifton, Katie Carey, Kate Gregory, Amy Daniels, Jill McCammon 5 Rubix Kube Band 6 Alex Wuelfing, Erin Wuelfing, Amy Charon, Claire Traugott, John Traugott, Ben Charon, Rafe Bonvillian 7 Pete and Tegwyn Collins, Matt Bruce, Keri Bruce, Anika Charron 8 Board President Jenny Tarleton, Event Co-Chairs Casey McBride and Anne Fox, Executive Director Amy Daniels, Event Co-Chair Elisa Persinger 9 Committee: (back row) Shannon Keefe, Amy Daniels, Sarah Godshaw, Kaitlyn Troy, Jenny Tarleton (front row) Amy Duffy, Jessica Caulfield, Casey McBride, Julianna Spain, Anne Fox, Elizabeth Hole, Elisa Persinger 10 Sarah Godshaw, Betsy Kilmartin 11 Kate and Sam Barber

1 The Depot Board of Directors: (back row)

Tarleton,

(front row)

BARBARA & RICK GOLDSMITH SUSAN RILEY

PATRICIA & DAVID KELLEY LINDA & DAVID GORTZ

DIANE, MICHAEL & TRACIE MILLER

MELANIE & JOHN CLARKE

Veteran Comics

It was a night of laughter and fun at the seventh annual Homes for the Brave (HFTB) Comedy Night. Three professional U.S. military veteran comedians performed to benefit veterans experiencing homelessness in Connecticut. In addition to the comedy show, guests enjoyed dinner, a 50/50 raffle and door prizes. Based in Bridgeport, HFTB has helped more than 1,500 individuals attain housing and “return to a productive and meaningful life.” homesforthebrave.org ND

1 Priscilla Sanchez (center) and family attended in memory of Samuel C. Sanchez. 2 Director of Communications Mea Allbert, CEO Vince Santilli 3 Johnny Vazzano greets Fairfield County Bank team. 4 Mea Allbert, Alan Weiss 5 Staff members and family (L-R): Janeka and Shannon Downer, Julianne and Jim Burdo, Steve and Alexis Carroll, COO Maria Satterwhite-Porpora 6 HFTB Alumnus Jeff Henerberry, Intern Amy Magagnoli 7 Nico Dee and Program Manager Libby LaRoche 8 Comedian Linette Paladino 9 Marvin Taylor with Board Member Juliet Taylor 10 Comedian K.P. Burke 11 Comedian Sevrin Remmo

HOMES FOR THE BRAVE / Vazzano’s Four Seasons

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DINING SOCIET Y

Local hotspots add to the underground food scene

by elizabeth keyser

clockwise, from right: Chef Peter Crawford hosts dinners at The Charles, a supper club experience at Darien Butcher Shop; ambience and entertainment at After Hours at Arden’s in Rowayton

clockwise, from left: After Hours at Arden’s hosts up to 30 people for four-course dinners; Arden’s cuisine is simple and ingredientforward; Rowayton Seafood offers seasonal supper clubs, private dining and waterfront views; The Charles presents a contemporary take on classic French cuisine.

GET READY FOR A CULINARY ADVENTURE

What’s an underground dinner?

It’s evolved from amateur chefs holding multi-course meals in their own homes to trained chefs doing pop-up dinners in interesting locations. In Darien and Rowayton, two establishments extend their daytime to special evenings featuring multi-course experiences. After Hours at Arden’s hosts events twice a month, and at The Charles at the Darien Butcher Shop, dinner is available Thursday, Friday and Saturday. (Advance reservations required.) At Rowayton Seafood, there are seasonal supper clubs as well as year-round options for private dinners.

These unique evenings feature spectacular food—simple and ingredient-forward at Arden’s, and a contemporary take on classic French cuisine at The Charles. Guests can enjoy fresh, elevated cuisine at Rowayton Seafood. At an underground dinner, the menu’s planned—all you do is bring wine.

AFTER HOURS

Community, Music & Dinner

After Hours at Arden’s is like being invited to a dinner party at a friend’s house—a friend with a knack for creating a warm, inviting space, gathering people together and feeding them simply and well. The evenings at the Rowayton café and specialty coffee shop start with a cocktail hour of passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by a seated four-course dinner at individual reserved tables. The dishes are inspired by the seasons and the owners’ travels, using ingredients that are as local and sustainable as possible. “We let the ingredients speak for themselves,” says co-owner Jill Lukeman. Millstone Farm in Wilton is one of their sources.

This spring, peas, ramps and rhubarb will be on the menu, but each menu is a surprise. Lukeman and co-owner Laura Jayson brainstorm with chef Moises Aguilar to create a succession of dishes. Hors d’oeuvres have included a soup shooter (celery root with a dash of aromatic chili oil) and toasted sourdough bread topped with white beans, garlic confit and lemon zest. The dinner could begin with an appetizer of tuna poke dressed with ginger-soy vinaigrette and garnished with micro cilantro, which guests scoop up with crisp wontons. A salad course usually follows, such as roasted squash and arugula dressed in balsamic vinaigrette, with goat cheese and toasted pumpkin seeds. A past main course was peppered sirloin steak, with baby carrots, mushrooms and Parmesan potato purée. Homey desserts have included carrot cake and rhubarb crisp bars.

The music has ranged from R&B, salsa, acoustic guitar to a DJ spinning vinyl records. Performers have included Cheyenne Elliot and Wilson Conroy, Sonny Cheeba, and Drew Angus.

The BYOB wine vibe is casual. Guests bring their go-to favorites, rather than wine-cellar gems. The evenings run from 7 to 10 p.m., and the room can seat 30. Guests tend to be “People looking

for that neighborly experience,” says Lukeman, “People who are at ease cheers-ing with a stranger.” Diners often say the space reminds them of places they’ve traveled to. Arden’s design is coastal and global, a palette of blue and white, with textured baskets, tablecloths of blue and white striped African mud cloth, blue and white tie-dye napkins, and fluffy white faux-fur throws.

Love for the charming seaside community of Rowayton inspired Jill Lukeman and her business partner Laura Jayson to create After Hours. Jayson was born and raised in Rowayton, and Lukeman moved here four years ago. In planning After Hours, they visited underground dinners, including The Charles in Darien (“A great experience,” says Lukeman.), and traveled to Brushland Eating House in the Catskills and The Little Line in Charleston, SC. Despite its reminiscent air, After Hours is very much in its own time and place in Fairfield County, where old and new friends gather in the historic coastal village of Rowayton.

right:

Chef Moises Aguila in prep mode

below, clockwise: Diners at Arden’s After Hours enjoy leisurely meals and live music; Co-owners Jill Lukeman and Laura Jayson

What’s new? A casual familystyle version of After Hours (think Burger Night) recently launched, with two seatings at 5:30 and 8 p.m. For updates, visit ardensrowayton.com.

THE CHARLES

Next-level private dining

Abutcher shop seems like an unusual place to have dinner, but not at the Darien Butcher Shop (DBS). Owner Peter Crawford cooked in New York City’s finest restaurants for 20 years, and he loves cooking classic French dishes with contemporary techniques. Along with access to the finest products he sells at DBS, a friendly, service-oriented ethic, and devoted patrons who know and love good food, adding a five-course tasting menu three nights a week was a natural. Over the last four years, dinner at The Charles has

evolved, and this could be one of the most stellar evenings of high-end eating you’ll experience in Fairfield County—and beyond. Casual fine dining in a butcher shop? Oh, yeah. Crawford, a Darien native, has cooked for Bouley, Aureole and JeanGeorges. Along with Charlie Palmer and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, his influences are Joel Robuchon, Pierre Gagnaire, and Alain Ducasse. By 6:30 p.m., when dinner at The Charles starts, the shop, with its butcher cases, shelves of special provisions and bins of fingerling potatoes, is transformed. Lights go out on the glass cases, the meats

clockwise, from left: Owner and chef Peter Crawford with a cowboy steak; preparation for boudin demi-deuil pommes purée chicken with whole grain mustard emulsion and frisée; hand-cut beef tartare with horseradish cream and quail’s egg in a basket

above: Guests bring their own wine and spirits to pair with gourmet meals at The Charles.

blanketed under plastic. Overhead lights are dimmed, portable tables laid with tablecloths and candles. Guests deposit bottles of wine on the butcher block counter. (Menus are sent three days in advance.) Diners have been known to clear out parts of their wine cellars, arriving with crates of interesting bottles. One guest, who filled the shop with 30 friends, brought four cases of Dom Perignon.

On a recent evening, Chef Peter cooked a dinner whose quality of ingredients, techniques, flavors and seasoning had a table of experienced diners swooning. “The quality of my products is second to none,”

Chef Peter says. “I’ve got existing relationships with providers I know from working in two- and three-star Michelin restaurants.”

The meal began with the chef’s signature hand-chopped beef tartare topped with a raw quail egg in toasted bread basket, surrounded by horseradish cream. The second course’s salad of fresh tender lettuce, beets and goat cheese, was elevated by the toasty flavor of walnut oil and crunch of salty-sweet glazed walnuts.

SUPPER CLUB

Fresh catch with a sunset view

Rowayton Seafood Restaurant runs a Supper Club during the spring and fall in the heated, tented deck during cooler, less-busy months of the year. The setting on the Five Mile River makes the evening even more special. Each Supper Club has a theme, and the sommelier matches the beverages to the chef’s menu. Recent themes included Tacos and Tequila (Rowayton Seafood has an excellent selection of tequilas); Tapas, Paella and Sangria; and New England Lobster Bake. The summer season’s too busy for the Supper Club, but guests can plan their own private dining experience by renting the Crow’s Nest, with its spectacular sunset views over Five Mile River.

below: Peter Crawford at The Club 06820, a different restaurant concept he owns in town. Stay tuned for future dining options here!

The third was a luxurious seafood dish of cod banded by a strip of pancetta, topped with crabmeat and scallops in a sauce flavored with truffle shavings. The fourth course, steak, seasoned with fresh rosemary, was served with pressed short rib, contrasting textures of seared and braised, with fluffy celeriac purée. Broccoli rabe cut the richness of the meat. Dessert was a bowl of panna cotta, with sautéed apples, topped with a quenelle of fromage blanc ice cream, a soothing end to the meal. This spring, seasonal menus could include a cassoulet of Beluga lentils and housemade boudin blanc and duck confit. Or squab stuffed with foie gras, with artichokes and truffled potatoes. Dessert could be a salted caramel tart with nuts and a quenelle of chocolate ice cream or carpaccio of pineapple, with vanilla ice cream and rum gelée. We don’t know for sure, and that’s the fun. Sign us up!

from top: There are seven slips available for diners coming by boat; seafood platter from the raw bar; shrimp tacos

To reserve at spot at The Charles, visit darienbutchershop.com or contact 203.202.9664.

BLACK AND WHITE BY FENEA SILVIUSTOCK.ADOBE.COM PETER CRAWFORD BY ANDREA CARSON; WATER VIEW BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA; FOOD BY MORGAN YEAGER

The fun doesn't stop at our borders! Check out these under-the-radar gems—here, and in our neighboring towns.

unique shops

outdoor activities

activities

great entertainment

great entertainment & useful services

by Eileen Bartels

Unique specialty shops in every corner of Fairfield County

Small & Migthy

Remember the days when you were a kid and rode your bike to the local library to get punches on your summer reading challenge card? You can recreate those days by designing your own summer reading challenge. Fairfield County boasts an abundance of local independent bookstores, so why not make it your plan to do your summer reading by discovering a different independent bookstore, one shop at a time? Plan outings to visit local bookstores and take the time to stroll the nearby streets and cafes—fresh book in hand.

athena books

228 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich

hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. athenabooksog.com

barrett bookshop

6 Corvin Drive, Darien hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. noon to 4 p.m. barrettbookstore.com

books on the common 404 Main Street, Ridgefield hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. booksonthecommon.com

diane’s books

8 Grigg Street A, Greenwich hours: Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. dianesbooks.com

dogwood books and gifts

254 E. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich hours: Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,Sun. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. dogwoodbooksandgifts.com

elm street books

35 Elm Street, New Canaan hours: Mon.–Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun. noon to 5 p.m. elmstreetbooks.com

westport book shop (nonprofit shop of used books)

23 Jesup Road, Westport hours: Sun. and Mon. Noon to 5 p.m., Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. westportbooksalesentures.org

Athena bookstore in Old Greenwich VENERA ALEXANDROVA

When you’re looking for a cup of coffee that’s good for more than just your palate, make a date and bring some friends to Coffee for Good. This spot hits a home run in its mission of offering great coffee while providing training in food service operations to individuals with intellectual and developmental differences. Employees train at the shop and then go on to jobs in the community. Grab-and-go food, merchandise and an array of drinks from coffee to tea are tucked into the beautifully renovated ground floor location on Maple Avenue.

coffee for good

48 Maple Avenue, Greenwich hours:

Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. coffeeforgood.org

Freeman suits and Rhone shorts for the guys to Vineyard Vines blazers and Roller Rabbit PJs for the kids—and sports gear for everyone. Ease and service is the hallmark of this shop, with options for virtual shopping, curbside pickup and private shopping appointments. It also offers complimentary gift wrapping, alterations and local delivery in an eco-friendly smart car. If “the sport shop” doesn’t have what you’re looking for, do you really need it?

darien sport shop

1127 Post Road, Darien

hours:

Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. dariensport.com

Take a mini vacation with a stop at Arden’s in Rowayton. This thoughtful coastal café and shop embraces the seaside charm of its small Norwalk enclave and allows visitors to escape to the beach, if only just for a lunch break. It sells housewares, table linens, and pantry provisions. The café features a thoughtful menu focused on sustainably. Check out the website for Camp Arden opportunities for kids, as well as unique adult workshops, communal after-hours dining experiences and intimate private events.

arden’s 158 Rowayton Avenue, Norwalk hours:

Tue.–Sat. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ardensrowayton.com

For over seventy-five years, Darien Sport Shop has provided one-stop shopping, from luxury brands to sporting goods, at their 4,000 square foot landmark building in Darien. This family-owned store has something for every person and price range—from iconic Diane Von Furstenberg dresses and Vuori leggings for the ladies to Hickey

Order from Barvida’s menu of clean-eating options like juices, smoothies, superfood lattes, acai and smoothie bowls, wraps and salads. Originating in Darien and recently opening in New Canaan, this is the perfect spot to refuel and recharge with nutrient-dense food—non-GMO produce, 100 percent organic ingredients and eco-conscious packaging.

Signature juices like The Dope Detox and The C Word are tasty, and the Mood Manager and Malibu smoothies will bring you back for more. If you’re looking to kick off

the summer with a nutrition reset, the café offers several cleanse plans that include smoothies, juices and wellness shots. Pickup and delivery options are available.

barvida

879 Post Road, Darien 137 Elm Street, New Canaan hours: Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.to 5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. thebarvida.com »

above: Shanalee Davis serves up a tasty cup of Joe at Coffee for Good.

above: Arden's co-owners and founders, Laura Jayson and Jill Brody Rowayton below: Barvida offers a wide range of smoothie bowls and cold-pressed juices.

ARDEN'S CONTRIBUTED; BARVIDA BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA

SCHOOL's OUt

Shakespeare is accessible to kids of all ages at Shakespeare on the Sound in Pinkney Park Rowayton. In addition to this year’s main Shakespeare performance of As You Like It that runs Wednesday, June 14 through Sunday, July 2 (every day except Mondays) at 7 p.m., the organization offers educational performances for younger audiences. Plan to attend the free children’s thirty-minute version of As You Like It, performed

at 6 p.m. These mini-shows are suited for all ages. General admission does not include a seat, so bring a blanket or lawn chair. Food and beverages are allowed, and the park section opens at 4 p.m. VIP tickets are available and include a chair. And for the budding thespians in your life, check out the June workshops and camps for ages eight to fifteen.

shakespeare on the sound Pinkney Park 177 Rowayton Avenue, Norwalk

shakespeareonthesound.org

We are lucky to have so many ways to keep our kids active and engaged all summer long. Just make sure to plan ahead and take advantage of all the great opportunities in our area

above: Family-friendly fun at Shakespeare on the Sound in Rowayton

Long Island Sound is home to an amazing array of animals, and you can see many of them up close in Norwalk at The Maritime Aquarium. With over seventyfive exhibits and 7,000 animals, this world-class aquatic center houses everything from jellyfish to meerkats. As it’s more than just an aquarium—you can spend a day with the kids checking out the hands-on activities, 4-D movies and a variety of special events. From Animal Encounters to Seal Feeding to Story Time, there are things to captivate and engage every member of the family. Enjoy close-up views of the harbor seals in their new Pinniped Cove, a three-sided, two-level underwater attraction. Plan a visit around Seal Training Demonstrations at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily. Tickets for vistors thirteen to sixty-four are $29, children three to twelve are $20.95, 4-D theater admission is $7.

the maritime aquarium

10 North Street, Norwalk hours: Mon.–Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., open until 6 p.m. in July and August maritimeaquarium.org

Greenwich Nature Days aims to instill awareness and cultivate joy and wonder by fostering connections with the natural world. Kids (pre-school through fifth grade) can explore, imagine and create via the nature immersion programs. Saturday, May 20, there is a drop-off program at Converse Brook Preserve with the Greenwich Land Trust. And a summer solstice program for women will be hosted on Wednesday, June 21. Visit the website for all activities and locations. greenwichnaturedays.com

and August is apple time. Check the schedule for events, such as the annual firefly festival on Wednesday, June 14, and fishing derby on Thursday, May 18, at Blueberry Pond. There’s also craft and story time at the Animal Farm.

A little farther away in Shelton, Jones Family Farms invites you to pick berries all summer long. Valley Farm features blueberries and strawberries, while Pumpkinseed Hill includes those, as well as pumpkins and gourds in the fall. Visit the website or call Farmer Jones Crop Hotline (203-9298425) to know which parts of the farm are open for visitors each day.

silverman’s farm

jones family farms

555 Walnut Tree Hill, Shelton hours: Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. jonesfamilyfarms.com

Whether “It” caught your eye as you drove to the Cape or back from Watch Hill, just up the highway in New Haven right off I-95 sits It Adventure Ropes Course at Jordan’s Furniture, the world’s largest indoor adventure ropes course. This nearby destination is the perfect escape for those rainy or too-hot days. Four levels of adventure include Zip It (zip lines), Little It (suited for small children), Climb It (a fresh take on climbing walls) and Jump It (a free fall simulation). There are courses and attractions that provide appropriate challenges and fun for every member of the family. Book online to make sure you have a spot and save money on ticket prices. Prices start at $8 an hour for the smaller kid adventure course and climbing wall.

jordan’s furniture

400 Sargent Drive, New Haven hours: Mon.–Thurs. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. itatjordans.com »

Summer is fruit-picking season, and just a short drive up the Merritt in Easton is Silverman’s Farm. June is strawberry season, July ushers in the blueberries

451 Sport Hill Road, Easton Animal Farm and Market hours:

Mon.–Sun. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick Your Own 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. silvermansfarm.com

left: Take a trip under the sea at the Maritime Center in Norwalk

above: Adorable furry friends await at Silvermine’s Farms.

left: Who needs a candy store when you can pick nature’s candy? (At least that’s what you can tell the kids.)

MARITIME AQUARIUM; SILVERMINE'S FARM; MEGAN GAGNON

Get Out

Miles of shoreline and parks offer opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are a few ways you can bathe in the sun and gaze at the stars

movies at bendheim western civic center Greenwich greenwichct.gov

movies at compo beach Westport westportct.gov

movies in the park, mill river park Stamford millriverpark.org

the remarkable theatre 50 Imperial Avenue, Westport remarkabletheater.org

travelers championship, tpl highlands

1 Golf Club Road, Cromwell travelerschampionship.com

(Screen and Sky)

It really feels like summer when you can stretch out on a blanket or lawn chair under the stars and catch an outdoor movie. Our communities offer an abundance of opportunities to enjoy outdoor cinema. Every Saturday movies start at sunset on the Great Steps at Mill River Park in Stamford. Greenwich hosts summer movie screenings at the Bendheim Western Civic Center, and Westport’s Compo Beach is the setting for its summer screen. Check local listings for movies and showtimes. For a truly old-fashioned drive-in movie, try something that is, well, remarkable. The Remarkable Theatre is located in downtown Westport and creates meaningful employment for people with disabilities. Check the website for summer listings.

Catch a glimpse of fan-favorite golfers like Rory Mcllroy at the PGA’s Travelers Championship at River Highlands in Cromwell, Monday, June 19 through Sunday, June 25. The course is located up north by Middletown and is New England’s only PGA stop on the tour. Tickets are sold through the Travelers Championship and Ticketmaster.

Create a personalized athletic challenge for yourself or a group with Conquer Events. This app allows you to set up your fitness tracking devices for a challenge of walking, biking, hiking or swimming covering a set number of miles (anywhere from twenty to over 2,000) in virtual destinations.

above: Our towns offer pletny of spots to enjoy the sand and surf.

Swim the great Barrier Reef or Hike along the Great Wall of China. This makes all those miles you log add up to more than another ring closed on your Apple Watch. As you hit milestones in your route, you can explore images and information about the local wildlife and attractions. Challenges

are $29. As you progress toward your destination, Conquer Events contributes to ecological initiatives. Reach 20 percent of your challenge and a tree is planted through the Eden Project. Meet another 20 percent and a contribution to the Plastic Bank is made to help curb plastics in the environment.

theconqueror.events

live music at the finish and a festival atmosphere. Proceeds from the race fund programs for cancer survivors.

Kick off your cycling summer on Sunday, May 21 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport with The Bloomin' Metric. This bike tour offers four countryside to coastal route options—twentyfive, forty, seventy-five and 100 kilometers. The ride is sponsored by Sound Cyclists, a volunteerrun recreational cycling club that focuses on safety, fun and fitness. bike.ctchallenge.org bloominmetric.com

and continue for eleven Sundays, concluding on October 8 with The Grand Prix of Greenwich. All tickets include car passes, which allow entry for all vehicle occupants. Children of all ages and dogs on leashes are welcome. Bring a lawn blanket or low chair for seating.

Marcia Selden Catering is on-site with a la carte items or pre-order a Polo Picnic box. There is also a rotating schedule of food trucks.

Grease your gears for the CT Challenge, a cycling event in Westport on Wednesday, July 29 with options including ten, twentyfive, fifty, seventy-five and 100 miles. With so many courses, there is one to match all cycling levels— flat, coastal, inland or hilly. This grassroots charity tour features

Break out your Pretty Woman dress, pack up the kids and plan a Sunday at the Greenwich Polo Club. Matches open to the public on Sundays, beginning on June 4, with the East Coast Bronze Cup

Gates open at 1 p.m. Matches begin at 3 p.m. and conclude around 5 p.m. East Lawn passes start at $50, Reserved Umbrella East Lawn are $125, Grandstand Bleachers are $55, Cabanas start at $500 and come with four car passes. For the best views reserve The Player’s Lounge for $1,000, which comes with five car passes.

greenwich polo club field

1 Hurlingham Drive, Greenwich greenwichpoloclub.com »

above: Watch the ponies play at the Greenwich Polo Club. below: Take a virtual hike with Conquer Events.

GREENWICH POLO CLUB; CONQUER EVENTS

Take it Easy

Want to take back your meal prep time and enjoy summer evenings without spending hours in the kitchen? Enter Food Design Catering. In addition to providing amazing catering for your special events, Food Design now offers Family Meal deliveries. Menu items feed four or eight and include options for entrées, soups, salads, sides and desserts. (How does pan-seared filet mignon, butternut squash purée soup, snow peas with shallots and warm apple cobbler sound?) Or take it a step further with the Healthy Meal Plan and let these amazing chefs prepare you a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner with items like egg white frittatas, sesame-crusted salmon and truffle-seared chicken. fooddesigncatering.com

No need to struggle with glutenfree restrictions, thanks to these two bakers in the area. You can now have your cake and eat it, too, with no need to compromise the taste. Old Greenwich Baking’s philosophy sums it up with the phrase: OGBC is just good, not just "good for gluten free." Stock up on the gf baguettes, buttermilk biscuits and pecan pie for your next picnic or bbq through this online service. Everyone can enjoy the good life without having to guess if the baked treats are gf, thanks to the Stylish Spoon in SoNo. Try the OatMEAL cups with chia, blueberry and chocolate or grain-free donuts. All baked goods are dairy-free, soy-free, vegan and gf.

old greenwich baking order online, free delivery in Greenwich; $10 Fairfield County oldgreenwichbaking.com

stylish spoon

97 Water Street, South Norwalk hours: Tues.–Thurs. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment stylishspoon.com

Give your dog more than just another walk around the block. K9 Trek offers stimulating hikes and group nature walks throughout Fairfield County for your favorite furry child. Services include pick up and drop off and there is complete supervision at all times. We all know, a good dog is a well-exercised—and tired—dog. Services start at $30 including transportation. k9trek.com

From gourmet meal delivery to specialty spa services and pet adventures, plenty of services are available to help you enjoy the lazy days of summer

top and left: Stylish Spoon

above: Old Greenwich Baking

The Well at the Mayflower Inn expands beyond simple spa services and is a full-on wellness destination. In addition to spa services, it offers body detox packages, guided forest bathing and nature hikes, all at the gorgeous Mayflower Inn in Litchfield County. Recognized Functional Medicine doctor

Dr. Frank Lipman oversees the new program.

Or escape to New York City for the day and check out The Well NYC, featuring the same signature East meets West programs. Schedule one of the transformative treatments from breathwork to vibrational energy sessions.

the well at the mayflower inn

118 Woodbury Road, Litchfield

The Well New York

2 East 15th Street, New York, NY the-well.com

That summer beach body is about more than just looking good—it’s about feeling great. Get ready to have fun in the sun with all the energy you deserve. Try one of Dr. Katie’s three-, five- and ten-day detoxes. Dr. Katie Takayasu is an Integrative Medicine doctor with a passion for plant-forward cooking and lifestyle balance who understands the pressures many woman face in seeking balance. Her seasonal health reset of anti-inflammatory nutrition is delivered to your door and comes with daily curated support from both doctor and coaches. Invest in getting yourself on the right track for summer and beyond. Doorstep delivery is available for Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk, Westport, New Canaan and Darien with programs starting at $159.

dr. katie wellness insights

745 Post Road, Darien drkatie.com

Give a little lift to your facial regime. Let Susan Knight in Greenwich give you an Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation to diminish fine lines, reduce redness and boost your skin’s elasticity with this natural and ancient skin-care treatment. The five-step process includes a healing mask, body acupuncture to balance the organs, facial acupuncture, a pearl mask and finally, a facial massage to stimulate blood flow. Other acupuncture options include parent/teen and couples acupuncture. Afraid of needles? She offers cupping as well.

susan knight acupuncture

100 Melrose Avenue, Suite 107, Greenwich susanknightacu.com

above: Feel your blood pressure drop as soon as you step into The Well at The Mayflower Inn.

That’s En tertainment

Alive at Five hosts live music in downtown Stamford on Thursday nights from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for just $25. The outdoor summer concert series has become a staple in Stamford, offering great music from national and regional headliners. This year’s performances take place July 13, 20, 27 and August 3 in Stamford’s Mill River Park. You must be twentyone years old or over to attend.

Need a place to take the little ones? Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich hosts its familyfriendly Wednesday Night Concert Series, June 28 through August 23. And Binney Park will offer two Sunday night shows (July 30 and August 27). Pack a picnic, ditch the shoes and dance in the grass.

The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts in Westport is a true entertainment gem. It offers an amazing lineup of summer concerts and events with its “50 Free Nights Under the Stars” series. There are also ticketed performances throughout the season including Samara Joy,

And be sure to check out the goings-on at MoCA in Westport. This month, the museum will host two concerts (Friday, May 12, Iraqi violinist Ameen Makdad, and Saturday, May 20, Joni Mitchell tribute) within the stunning Rainbow in the Dark exhibit by German artist Anselm Reyle.

alive at five

Mill River Park, 1010 Washington Blvd., Stamford stamford-downtown.com

binney park

Binney Park Drive, Greenwich greenwich ct.gov

roger sherman baldwin park 100 Arch Street, Greenwich greenwichct.gov

levitt pavilion

40 Jessup Road, Westport levittpavilion.com

moca in westport

19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport mocawestport.org

Michael Franti & Spearhead and Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers.

right: Alive at Five in Stamford • Rainbow in the Dark at MoCA

Looking for a low-key and convenient option to New York City shows? We’ve got you covered

Save yourself a trip to the city and still see world class theater locally at the Westport Country Playhouse. This summer catch the classic thriller Dial M for Murder, running Tuesday, July 11 through Saturday, July 29. For a truly unique glimpse into the process of theater, check-out the Playhouse Script— script-in-hand run throughs—for an intimate look at artistic performance in progress. This onetime performance brings actors together to rehearse and perform

on a simple set and includes the audience in decisions regarding costumes and sets. Tickets are on sale for Monday, June 12 at 7 p.m. ($25, $20 for Westport Country Playhouse members).

Visit the website for other upcoming shows and special events. Tickets start at $35 and season ticket packages are available. Season ticket holders can customize the shows they attend and choose from a number of interesting pre- and postshow events such as Post-Play Dialogues, Backstage Pass and Thursday Talkback Q&A’s.

westport country playhouse

25 Powers Court, Westport westportplayhouse.org

the ridgefield playhouse

80 East Ridge, Ridgefield ridgefieldplayhouse.org

With smaller audiences, local playhouses provide an intimate setting to experience theater. Get your tickets to see Next to Normal at The Ridgefield Barn Friday, June 2, through Saturday, July 24. The Barn hosts year-round community theatre with cabaret seating. Tickets start at $33, with doors opening an hour prior to show, and guests may bring their own food and drink.

At Sterling Farms in Stamford, Curtain Call offers a dozen productions a year as well as Comedy Nights and Interactive Murder Mysteries at the Kweskin Theatre and Dressing Room

Theatre. On Friday, June 2, through Saturday, June 17, see Assassins The Musical at Kweskin Theatre. Tickets start at $28 for seniors and $30 for adults.

the ridgefield theatre barn 37 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org

curtain call 1349 Newfield Avenue, Stamford curtaincallinc.com

Let Art Garfunkel, the Wallflowers or America add more music to your date night with the line-up of favorite artists performing at the The Ridgefield Playhouse this summer. From tribute bands to the real thing, every week of the Playhouse’s summer calendar offers a fun night out. Be sure to check out Moffly Media’s Evening of Art, Jazz and Wine five-part series including performances by Sergio Mendes on Wednesday, June 21, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra on Friday, July 28.

The only thing better than seeing a play in the great outdoors is having a gorgeous park at your disposal to explore before or after. Waveny Park in New Canaan is the perfect summer destination with over 250 acres of parkland, including approximately three-anda-half miles of jogging and walking trails, a picnic area and plenty of open space. Each year it hosts the Summer Theatre of New Canaan with performances on the outdoor stage. Saturday and Sunday performances for children start at 10 a.m. Bring your own lawn chair or book VIP seating for evening performances of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast July 15 through 30, Thursdays and Fridays 8 p.m., Saturdays 7 p.m.

summer theatre of new canaan

Waveny Park, 677 South Avenue, New Canaan stonc.org

above: Escape the crowds at Waveny Park in New Canaan. below: In June, Patti LuPone will take the Westport Country Playhouse stage.

WAVENY PARK BY KYLE NORTON; WCP BY MICHAEL ALLAN GALVEZ; MOCA BY LESLIE LASALA

Reach More Patients Tell Your Brand Story

• Special section following our annual Top Dentists editorial feature

• Annual guide to Fairfield County’s dental experts & cosmetic specialists

• Custom profile created for your practice

• Reach an audience of 200,000+ families and local residents

• One year inclusion in our searchable online dentist directory

• Bonus issue distribution to local events reaching health-conscious families, charitable organizations and community influencers

2022 Dental PROFILES SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Dental Society. The Greenwich Dentistry office is located on the Post Road in the heart of Cos Cob in a restored Victorian building with plenty of parking. Here, the fatherson team guarantees top-quality work while minimizing the stress of going to the dentist. With a friendly staff, comfortable waiting room (where almost no time is spent), Saturday availability, contemporary operatories and cutting-edge technologythe anxiety often associated with the dental patient experience is thing of the past!

Issue Date: July/August 2023

14th Annual BEHIND THE OWL’S BREW BOOZY TEA

2022 | Dental PROFILES ADVERTISING SECTION DR. BINA PARK ORTHODONTICS 42 Sherwood Place Greenwich, CT 203.900.1111 drbinapark.com

On Newsstands: July 1, 2023

88% of Moffly Media readers will be looking for dental providers in the next 12 months, including dentists and cosmetic dentists1 . REAL ESTATE and sellers

TOP DENTISTS Fab Spring Fashion Launch Ladies who Rooms With a View PLUS!

Dental Profile Special Section greenwichmag.com 24

Commitment Date: May 12, 2023

the-art dental technology. He completed a hospital residency program at The Brooklyn Hospital, where he received extensive training in oral surgery, orthodontics and pediatrics. Dr. Sean Sutton believes that oral health is an integral part of overall health and works with specialists in all fields of medicine to provide his patients with healthy and beautiful smiles. Dr. Sean Sutton is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists, the Connecticut State Dental Association, and the Second District

Dr. Bina Park has opened a new orthodontic location in Greenwich and is dedicated to creating individualized treatment plans for each patient. We are a boutique practice that treats adults and children with a commitment toward the best possible care and experience. Dr. Bina feels that orthodontic appointments should be the most fun and least painful of all our doctor visits. She is passionate about the field of orthodontics and the gratification of being able to bring beautiful smiles and the changes that they can bring to people’s lives, including increased selfconfidence. She makes an effort in giving every patient the experience that makes

Mark R. Sutton, D.D.S. Sean A. Sutton, D.D.S. SPECIALTY Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 391 East Putnam Avenue Cos Cob, CT 203.869.2066 GreenwichDentistry.com Doctors Mark and Sean Sutton of Greenwich Dentistry in Cos Cob are Greenwich’s newest, most exciting, and only father-son duo in town. The practice, located at 391 East Putnam Ave., has cared for patients since 1977 and boasts a long history of providing dental services to loyal patient base. Dr. Sean Sutton recently joined his father at the helm and brings fresh outlook and contemporary armamentarium to dental care. Dr. Mark Sutton graduated from NYU College of Dentistry after taking a hiatus from his medical training to pursue an interest in becoming a Hollywood stuntman. After serving as Robin Williams’s stunt double in “World According to Garp,” and appearing in films like “Splash” and “Ghost Busters,” he realized he would rather fix teeth than break them. For over 30 years, Dr. Mark Sutton has helped build one of the oldest and most reputable practices in Greenwich through his commitment to lifelong education, evidence-based practice and patient satisfaction. Dr. Sutton puts his patients’ comfort and treatment expectations at the forefront, while using the latest technology to deliver the highest quality care. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Connecticut State Dental Association, and the Greenwich Dental Society, where he has served as president. in Greenwich, where he was given first-hand perspective to the impact his father makes in the community through patient care and neighborhood outreach programs. At the University of Michigan, Sean was Captain of the 1st and 2nd ever Division-1 men’s lacrosse teams and excelled in his studies and goal of becoming a doctor. Like his father, Dr. Sean Sutton graduated with honors from NYU College of Dentistry. There, he learned from the top minds in the fields of cosmetic and restorative dentistry, while taking advantage of the school’s worldrenowned research programs and state-ofJULY/AUGUST 2022 GREENWICH 125

the orthodontics fun and appreciates getting to know her adult patients, children and families during the process. Dr. Bina finished her dental training at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas and obtained her Master’s degree for Orthodontics at the University of Michigan. During her years at Baylor College, she received numerous research awards including Fellowship, Dr. Allan D. Pearsall III Memorial Research Award and a NIH-NIDR Traineeship. She received national recognition when she won the Harry Sicher First Research Essay Award and presented her research at the annual session of the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) in Hawaii in 2002. She has been MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY OF GREENWICH SPECIALTY Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 4 Dearfield Drive, #205, Greenwich, CT 203.717.1222 msgoms.com

practicing since 2002 and has practiced in a high profile Upper East Side office in Manhattan. Dr. Bina continues to devote a few days a week to her New York City practice. She and her two children, Tèa and Tavo, reside in Greenwich, Connecticut, and they are enjoying their new life in Greenwich. In her free time, she enjoys traveling (when she can), skiing, and she has recently taken up ballroom dancing. She also has lifelong mission to meet Keanu Reeves. Our orthodontic mission, here at Dr. Bina Park Orthodontics, is to provide care in a warm and caring environment where the focus is on creating amazing, functional smiles. Come visit us at our office! We are excited to meet you.

Vasiliki Karlis, DMD, MD, FACS

DR. KARLIS’ SPECIALTY FOCUS AREAS ARE: pediatric and young adult oral and maxillofacial surgery, which include extraction of primary and adult teeth, wisdom teeth removal, exposure of impacted canines, mesiodens removal, correction of tongue-tied patients and orthognathic surgery. Dr. Vasiliki Karlis is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Advanced Education Program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at New York University Medical Center. She received her D.M.D. from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and her certificate in oral and maxillofacial surgery from NYU Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital Center. Dr. Karlis completed her M.D. at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport, Louisiana and her general surgery internship at NYU Medical Center. A Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,

Dr. Karlis was appointed to their Examination Committee in 2003 and served as Co-Chair of the Section in Medicine and Anesthesia for 20072009. She was appointed on the Board of Regents for the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health from 2003-2007. Dr. Karlis was awarded Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons in 2008, this Fellowship is a highly selective process and only given to individuals who meet stringent requirements and high professional ethics. Dr. Karlis is well recognized nationally and internationally and has authored multiple manuscripts, book chapters, and publications in peer reviewed journals. She is an active member in numerous committees at Bellevue Hospital Center and nationally has been appointed to the Committee on Residency Education and Training of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

The Wonders of a Peaceful Waterside Garden

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Day & Boarding School Fair

Wednesday, May 10 5:30–7:30 p.m.

New Canaan Country School 635 Frogtown Rd, New Canaan, CT

For a list of schools attending and to register for this free event, please visit: schoolstoknow.com

CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING

We welcome wedding announcements together with candid photographs. Weddings should have a current New Canaan, Darien or Rowayton family connection and must be submitted within three months of the wedding day.

Regretfully, we are unable to run every wedding submitted.

Send Information to: weddings@ncdmag.com

New Canaan • Darien Magazine 205 Main Street Westport, CT 06880

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Moffly Media is one of the leading providers of professional event photography and marketing services in Fairfield County. We capture compelling, high-quality images of individuals and groups at meaningful events. With our wide range of capabilities from video to social media, Moffly will customize a marketing program that’s just right for you.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BOB CAPAZZO, KRISTIN HYNES, MELANI LUST & MARSIN MOGIELSKI

postscript

by julee kaplan • photography by venera alexandrova

HIGH RISE

THE NEW CANAAN LIBRARY OFFERS A FAB NEW PLACE TO GATHER

It,s not often that a small town gets a brand new library. Really, we haven't seen a new one since 1913. Until now. The new New Canaan Library is really something to celebrate. This gorgeous building is a perfect home base for our vibrant community center. Expansive spaces with cozy nooks for reading or meeting, a super-fun children,s area with a

garden just outside those large glass doors, a special area for teens to gather, a landscaped roof deck, massive lecture spaces and even a space for cooking classes. This is not just a library. This is our library, a community space that future libraries can look up to. We are so proud of what this place has to offer. Be sure to check it out for yourself.

left: The large "living room" area features cozy reading chairs and a child-friendly fireplace. top: The children's area sparks curiousity and wonder. below: A series of light-filled working nooks can be found throughout the space.

Worldwide Awards & Recognition

Our reputation as a leader in luxury is unrivaled. Global industry experts at Luxury Lifestyle Awards have named William Raveis among the elite Top 100 Real Estate Brokers and Developers of the World for 2022. Everywhere, from Nice to Naples, Greenwich to Greece, people recognize our luxury brand and luxury personal service from agents who deliver best-in-class experiences.

Voted #1 Luxury Broker by Luxury Portfolio International®, our global reach connects us to the widest audience of high-net-worth buyers across the world. Our partnership with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® gives agents access to an international network of nearly 140,000 real estate professionals and over 550 luxury brokerages across 70 countries.

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