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vol. 16 | no. 4 | july/august 2025
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“Oh, I never would’ve called the police if I’d known it was Charlie,” she said.”
JULY/AUGUST 2025 /
DONNA MOFFLY
OF DOG DAYS & A DOG
The idea of the “dog days” of August started with the Romans blaming Sirius, the brightest star in Canis Major (large dog), for hot, sticky weather and sacrificing a brown dog to appease it. Silly Romans.
For a July issue long ago, we did a story with Dick Cryer and his Golden Retriever on the cover. Our distributor said it would never sell. Something about dogs felt sweaty in the summer. But it sold big time. Silly man.
Anyway, my first dog was Charlie—formally, Penny’s Pride of Riverside—who grew to be a big handsome dark-red fellow with a huge head and chest.
We got him from Torchie Flinn, a nationally known breeder, who taught my duck-hunting husband how to make him a proper retriever. First, at her house by the reservoir, she lined up some old Goldens for an audience. Then, into the water she tossed a mallard, whose wings were tied down, and sent a young bitch to bring it to hand. When Charlie’s turn came, he dashed in, got pecked on the nose and backed away, barking. So, Torchie sent the female in again until Charlie, properly humbled, did it right.
He became a brilliant hunting dog.
Charlie was popular with people of all sizes. We had to put a hook-and-eye on the nursery door, because three-year-old Jonathan would climb out of bed at night to take his dog for a walk. One morning, the pair took off again, and we had neighbors on bikes shouting their names until our son appeared sobbing. “I was lost in the ferns!” Charlie could hear us calling but had never left his little master’s side.
Charlie was a lifeguard. When we swam off Willowmere dock, he’d jump into the water, put his big paws on our shoulders and push us back to shore. Once, he swam so far after our Sunfish that we had to pull the 90-pound dog into the cockpit. No easy feat.
Charlie was a therapist. Our Down Syndrome
nephew visiting from Cleveland was terrified of dogs but ended up kissing him goodbye— on the lips. We had to explain that a good ear scratch was an ample show of affection.
Charlie was a mother of sorts. He’d gently carry our kittens around in his mouth until they grew too heavy to hold.
Charlie could be mischievous. While the Burkes were away, they had a house fire. We took some of the kids and the sitter to our house, where a fireman interviewed her, leaving his boots on the doorstep. Except when he left, he found only one. Charlie had hidden the other in the bushes.
Then came the day I was sick in bed and got a call from the Greenwich Pound to come pick up my dog, who had been reported running through Ida Brace’s garden. Furious, I retrieved my Retriever and then called her. “Ida, if you ever have my dog arrested again, you’ll never be invited to another party at our house!” (She loved parties.) “Oh, I never would’ve called the police if I’d known it was Charlie,” she said. Within hours, McArdle’s delivered a huge bunch of gladiolas.
But Charlie was a hero, too. One night, we were robbed while Jack and I were on vacation. Unwittingly, the burglars had let Charlie out, and he barked on Bunny Nadel’s kitchen stoop next door until she put on a bathrobe and followed him home. The sitter found them standing at the front door, while the crooks escaped out the back.
In the Sixties, there were very few Goldens in town. Now there are many—rarely trained to be working dogs, which they love—plus lots of designer dogs like Pugles, Cockapoos, Schnoodles, Chorkies and Pomskys. Even Goldendoodles. Hmmm.
In any case, our Charlie had it all. We just called him Charlie, but Jack’s mother called him “a noble beast.”
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A Place to Be a Kid
Local summer camp helps children with chronic illness feel seen
While parents across the country are busy labeling water bottles and tucking flashlights into duffel bags, hoping their kids come back with lifelong memories (and not too many mosquito bites), a quieter kind of preparation is happening at 88 Hamilton Avenue in Stamford. Inside the modest headquarters of The ELM Project (@theelmproject), a team is gearing up for a different kind of summer camp—one that doesn’t just promise adventure and bunk bed friendships, but a rare and necessary sanctuary for children living with chronic illness.
Each summer, The ELM Project welcomes
by joey macari
more than a hundred children affected by sickle cell disease and their siblings to Camp AmeriKids, in the green hills of Monticello, New York. It’s a free, week-long program, but what it offers can’t be measured in days or dollars. At Camp AmeriKids, children who spend much of the year in hospitals or managing complex medical needs get the rare opportunity to simply be kids. They hike, swim, sing around campfires and laugh until their stomachs hurt—not because someone made them take medicine, but because someone made a great joke during talent show night.
left: Counselor Grace and a camper share a colorful moment of joy during a themed activity. right: Siblings make a splash enjoying free swim at Camp AmeriKids. below: Kamren shares a smile and a sweet treat with his counselor, Carlos.
“For the kids, camp gives them the opportunity to get away from their normal lives for one full week and enjoy all the benefits that summer camp has to offer—swim, boating, arts and crafts, music, dance, spoken word poetry, drama, archery and more,” says Executive Director Chloe Ettari. “All the while, under supervision of 15 or more medical professionals dedicated to ensuring the overall health and well-being of everyone onsite. Guardians can rest assured knowing that their children are well taken care of during their time with The ELM Project.”
Ettari’s connection to camp began in 2009, when she first
volunteered as a college student.
“That first summer completely changed my life,” she says. “I personally began volunteering in 2009 and stepped into the role of Executive Director in 2018. This summer will be my 15th year working at Camp AmeriKids!”
That first summer turned into a calling, and today she leads the organization, which has evolved far beyond its original scope.
The ELM Project began in 1995 as a camp focused on youth living with HIV/AIDS. When its parent organization, Americares, discontinued the program in 2009, a core group of volunteers and donors wouldn’t let it close. They founded The ELM Project
as an independent nonprofit and expanded the mission in 2011 to serve children living with or impacted by sickle cell disease.
“Honestly, I just wish more people even knew what sickle cell disease (SCD) was,” Ettari says. “Fortunately, it is gaining a lot more media coverage due to the incredible medical advances toward finding a cure...but we still have a long way to go. These cures are a big step in the right direction, but they are not yet widely accessible.”
She continues, “Our campers with sickle cell disease are absolute warriors. Many people living with SCD experience what is called a pain crisis, which results in pain and other complications. These pain crises are awful, and many people with SCD end up in the hospital because of this, sometimes for days or weeks at a time. This is extremely disruptive for attending school and other extracurricular activities, as well as for going to work and taking care of your own family.”
But at Camp AmeriKids, these children and teens aren’t defined by their diagnosis—they’re known as brave, hilarious, creative, loud, kind and strong. They’re known by name.
“There are so many moments like this, and they happen every day at Camp AmeriKids,” says Ettari. “Whether it be a camper passing their swim test or facing a fear by climbing up the wall to zipline across the lake, or even reading their poem aloud during mealtime for all of camp to hear. Our campers are constantly being challenged and encouraged each day to try new things, step outside their comfort zones a little, and support their peers. Camp AmeriKids is more than just a community of people—we are a family.”
That sense of belonging doesn’t disappear once the buses head
home. Through ELM’s year-round Encourage, Lead and Mentor (ELM) programming, teens and young adults stay connected via monthly workshops and leadership training. A standout is the Leaders-In-Training program, where older campers begin stepping into counselor roles, practicing public speaking, job readiness and creative selfexpression—from resume writing to spoken word poetry slams.
The city of Stamford plays an unsung role in all of this.
“Stamford has been our home since (almost) our founding in
1995!” says Ettari. “It is a great location, as it allows us to avoid the chaos of New York City, while being close to most of our key hospital partners. We have a great office space here, with Connecticut-based staff, and we look forward to keeping this home for many years to come.”
As parents across the country wave goodbye to buses this summer, hoping their kids come home sun-kissed and smiling, The ELM Project is sending off a different kind of camper—one who leaves with far more than just memories.
Confidence. Belonging. Joy. A moment to feel whole.
To learn more, donate or get involved, visit elm-project.org.
above: Campers connect through art, one of many activities that build friendship and self-expression. below: Medical volunteers and staff ensure every camper’s needs are met.
above: Two campers from group Chipmunk form a special bond.
do
From Practice to Podium
HOW A STAMFORD-BASED FACILITY IS NURTURING TALENT AND GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONS
by liz barron
Rooted in Passion
Having coached together for more than 40 years, dynamic duo Laurie and Frank DeFrancesco decided it was finally time to open their own gym in 1995, and with that, Arena Gymnastics was born.
“Prior to owning Arena Gymnastics, Frank and I coached at the Arena of Artistic Gymnastics from 1982 to1995, founded in Stamford in 1974 by the late Joseph Polizzano,” says Laurie. “I was a former gymnast and began my coaching career at the former Muriel Grossfeld's School of Gymnastics, while still attending Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). I am also an NCAA/USA Gymnastics National Judge, Co-Founder of the CT Gymnastics Hall of Fame and Former USA Gymnastics State Administrative Committee Chairman. Frank was a former gymnast competing for Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), where he graduated with a BS degree in Physical Education. He served as USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Committee Chairman for the Northeast and was instrumental
in the development of the Junior Olympic Program, now known as the USA Gymnastics Development Program,” she adds.
The DeFrancescos' goal when opening Arena was to have a space where they could provide the opportunity for every athlete to pursue their gymnastics goals. Arena caters to varying abilities ranging from beginners to those looking to hone their skills for high-level competition. Their day-to-day roles have evolved over the years, and these days, Laurie is more focused on coaching, and Frank on running the business side of things. With their extensive backgrounds in the sport, knowledge, experience and a shared passion for growing local talent, it’s no wonder their gymnasts have soared to some of the top rankings in the country. “After training my first national beam champion, I knew I was hooked on coaching at the highest level,” says Laurie.
Building Champions
With classes starting for children
as young a preschool for both boys and girls and continuing all the way through high school, Arena has something for everyone and attracts talent from both near and far. Progressive skill charts are used for all of their recreational class levels, and gymnasts progress from Beginner classes to Advanced Beginner, to Intermediate, to their Xcel Pre-team. There is also a program called Hot Shots, which is a pre-team for younger students who show the physical attributes and skills to potentially become high level gymnasts.
“Our Xcel Team competes at the State and Regional level, offering a competitive experience for gymnasts that may have other interests. Our USA Gymnastics Development Team competes at the State, Regional and National level and is well-known for producing quality gymnasts who are being recruited by NCAA Teams,” says Laurie.
Grit and Gravity Gymnastics isn’t solely about
physical strength and ability; the mental aspect is just as important, and being in the right headspace while training and competing is equally critical. When asked how she keeps her students inspired and confident, Laurie revealed that
“Our gymnasts are motivated by being challenged. We encourage setting smaller goals enroute to their bigger goals. Confidence on a competitive level comes from repetition in training. The confidence to try and obtain harder skills comes from breaking skills down into progressions, allowing the athlete to understand and feel the mechanics of each skill.”
Safety Smarts
The safety of their gymnasts is a top priority at Arena and all their competitive coaches and directors are Safety Certified through USA Gymnastics and have had multiple years of coaching and/or competitive experience.
“Our approach to teaching and training is to be progressive with skill development. Whether the athlete is in a one-hour recreational
left: Arena Head Coach Laurie DeFrancesco celebrates with Reese Nizielski. middle and right: Nizielski performs on balance beam at the 2025 USA Gymnastics Level 10 National Championships and receives a bronze medal for the event.
class or training 20 hours per week, they develop skills with proper technique,” says Laurie. A commitment to keeping classes small is another way that Arena ensures their athletes are always being closely monitored and getting the right amount of attention. Their student/coach ratios are seven to one, making their ability to focus on each gymnast individually and provide high-quality coaching far more attainable than many other area gyms.
A Solid Season
Arena’s competition team recently wrapped up their season with “an impressive showing at USA Gymnastics Development Program National Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah,” says Laurie. “Reese Nizielski, a Greenwich High School sophomore, finished 6th All Around, 3rd on balance beam and 4th on floor exercise. And one of our athletes, Camryn Pennucci from Wilton, performed a new skill on balance beam that will now be named for her in the USA Gymnastics Code of Points! The ‘Pennucci’ is a ring jump with half-turn that starts sideways on the balance beam, showing a 180-degree split with the back leg bent to head height and the head released backwards, losing complete sight of the beam,” she adds.
With a strong representation on the podium and her gymnasts having moves named after them it’s safe to say that Laurie can’t wait to see what next year will have in store
Movement as Medicine
How Covid house calls led one Greenwich local to start her own STAMFORD-BASED PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE
by liz barron
Smart Start
Having been drawn to all things medical from a young age, it’s no wonder that Alexandra Ranieri landed herself a career in helping people heal. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, who is also Board Certified in Orthopedics (only 6-10% of PT’s are certified in a specialty area), the most rewarding part of what Ranieri does is “helping my patients build themselves back up from the ground and learn how to bullet-proof themselves after an injury. I teach people how to better understand their bodies and to be able to differentiate between pain and soreness. I help them figure out when to push through discomfort and when to pull back,” says Ranieri.
During lockdown so many offices stopped seeing patients, but that didn’t mean patients didn’t have pain. The number of previous patients reaching out to Ranieri directly for at-home treatments began to grow rapidly, which led her to officially set up her own shop, OSS Physical Therapy, in August 2020. This year officially marks Ranieri’s five-year anniversary of running her own private practice on Newfield Avenue in Stamford, and she continues to treat patients through in-home visits as well. Having grown by word-of-mouth and doctor referrals, Ranieri feels grateful to continue “treating people one-on-one and to be able to watch them get better, which is one of the best parts of what I do,” she says.
above: At Oss Sports Physical Therapy, the goal is to get patients back to doing what they love and making them “stronger, faster and better.”
above: Judges watch Nizielski execute a side aerial on the balance beam.
Why See a PT?
How would you know that it’s time to see a PT? Ranieri explains that “nagging pain that won’t go away, that disturbs you during the day or wakes you up in the middle of the night,” can often be a red flag. Nobody wants to be injured and be told that they can’t continue to do what they love. “It’s really hard to tell people they have to put a pause on what they enjoy the most, so working with a patient’s expectations and keeping them motivated on the path to healing can often be the most challenging part,” says Ranieri. “But it’s always best to see a PT during an acute flare up as opposed to waiting for things to become more chronic. In those instances, we need to deal with inflammation and calming everything down before we can focus on building strength and working toward feeling better,” she adds.
For young athletes, sometimes a PT screening is helpful in understanding the ways that the joints move and where flexibility, strength and possible weaknesses are. Based on findings, Ranieri helps to create a game plan that kids can follow at home, which can help with injury prevention during sports seasons.
A Skillset Above the Rest
Uniquely certified in ultrasound, Ranieri is able to use her in-office machine not only to diagnose injuries, but also for highly customized treatments. “Similarly to an MRI, the ultrasound allows me to see ligaments, muscles and tendons. I can see problems like
rotator cuff tears and ankle sprains. If there’s a big tear, I can send what I’m seeing directly to the patient’s doctor to help expedite their recovery,” says Ranieri. Ranieri also frequently utilizes this tool when she performs dry needling, which is a targeted technique that is used to stimulate muscle and tissue trigger points to relieve pain. The needles create lesions that help activate healing by remodeling damaged and inflamed tissue around the injection site. “There was a study done that compared dry needling to PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) injections and it found that while the results weren’t exactly the same, dry needling showed promising results that promoted and expedited healing. It’s a great device to have at my disposal, especially for larger muscles like the glutes which can be very hard to get to. With the needles I can be very specific about the areas that I’m targeting,” says Ranieri.
Mobility Matters
To help with injury prevention, Ranieri notes that mobility is key. “I love functional
exercises that are easy to perform anywhere with little to no equipment and often just use your body weight. You can use socks and wood floors for leg exercises and joint circles for shoulders, hips and elbows to work on lubricating the joints to maintain proper range of motion. You can easily add ankle or wrist weights to any of these exercises to increase a strengthening component as well,” says Ranieri.
Keeping it Simple for Summer
With the rapid rise of racquet sports, most of us know someone who has been seriously injured playing tennis, pickleball or padel. When it comes to injury prevention, Ranieri expresses the importance of warming up, but not only stretching in the traditional way that most of us think of. “Plyometrics and getting the body ready for an activity is so important,” she says. “Jumping is actually one of my favorite ways to do this; you can jump on two legs or one, backwards and forwards or side to side. It’s simple, and you don’t need any equipment. This sort of movement does so much in terms of waking up your joints, muscles and ligaments,” Ranieri adds. When she’s not treating patients, Ranieri | can be found walking her rescue pup Gus at Todd’s Point or practicing Jujitsu. It was after learning that the meaning of the Japanese word often used in martial arts, “Oshi Shinobu” or “Oss” for short, is to “endure even when being pushed,” Ranieri instantly knew that she’d found the name of her new business. “I just thought that it described physical therapy perfectly. It’s all about trust, a mutual respect between a patient a doctor and a shared goal of overcoming adversity to get to the other side of pain.” For more information, visit osssportspt.com.
above: A former competitive swimmer, Alex Ranieri stays fit with rock climbing, yoga, running, swimming and jujitsu.
PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN
From beaches and parks offering plenty of outdoor playtime to can’t-miss events, there are many exciting ways to fill your days. Check out these fun ideas for July and August, and GET READY TO SAVOR THE SUMMER. by stefanie horn
No. 1
WATCH A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS
Get Grab a blanket, chairs and dinner to enjoy an outdoor movie during a summer evening. Movies will be shown in Harbor Point’s Commons Park on Wednesdays, July 9 to August 13. Showings begin at dusk, typically around 8:30 p.m. Familyfriendly flicks to play at Mill River Park include A Minecraft Movie on Saturday, August 2 and Harold and the Purple Crayon on Friday, August 8. Pre-film activities begin at 6 p.m., with sunset movie screenings held at two new locations at the playground and the Whittingham Discovery Center.
No. 2
SUMMER FUN THURSDAYS
Stamford Moms is so excited to host Summer Fun Thursdays at Stamford Town Center throughout July and August! From basketball trick artists to a magic show, puppet show and live animal encounter, there will be a different entertaining show every Thursday, July 10 to August 21 at 3 p.m. in Grand Court. So, grab some snacks, get out of the heat and enjoy the show!!
No. 3
LIVE MUSIC, FOOD, & ENTERTAINMENT RETURNS TO STAMFORD DOWNTOWN
We are thrilled for the launch of Summer in the Park in July at Mill River Park. Get ready for live music, delicious food and fun for the whole family. Enjoy Summer Fun Fridays, The Hey Stamford! Food Festival, and entertainment for all ages across three extended weekends beginning July 11. Find out more details at summerinthepark.com.
No. 5
SPEND AN AFTERNOON ON THE SOUND
Whether it’s a weekday without camp and work, or a slow weekend morning, get everyone in the car and have breakfast at the beach. Pack up the sand toys, blankets and chairs, then pick up bagels or donuts on the way and head to West Beach. Parking is close to the sand, and everyone will enjoy the picnic outside before building a sandcastle and having some fun on the playground.
No. 4
SPEND AN AFTERNOON ON THE SOUND
There’s no better way to spend a summer afternoon than on a SoundWaters Schooner Sail on the Long Island Sound! Public sails are available on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer. All passengers must be five or older. So, grab a picnic-style meal, some snacks and have a great time. If you’re looking for a date night idea, sunset sails are also available. Visit soundwaters.org to book.
Stefanie Horn, Stamford mom of three and head of Stamford Moms, shares some of her favorite things to do—from seasonal activities to can’t-miss events. Follow @stamfordmoms on Instagram, sign up for the newsletter, and check out the calendar for more family-friendly activities at stamfordmoms.com.
DOCK and DINE
Arrive by water and explore RESTAURANTS WITH A VIEW
by elizabeth keyser
top left: Prime draws boaters for steaks, sushi and scenic views of Stamford Harbor. top right: Mexicue in Harbor Point fuses American Southern cooking with Mexican cuisine.bottom left: The Wheel’s popular Wheelhouse Burger is a custom Black Angus blend. bottom right:The Crabshell has 11 boat slips and an outdoor patio serving frozen margaritas.
Fresh air, salt breezes and sparkling waters whet the appetite. Stamford offers boaters and lovers of water-borne adventures many ways to get out on the Long Island Sound and to harbor back on land at the plentiful restaurants, from casual to high-end, with indoor and outdoor seating and water views.
Stamford has 19 miles of coastline on the Sound, a busy commercial and recreational harbor, public and municipal marinas, yacht clubs, beaches and waterfront parks. In summer, the expanse of Long Island Sound is dotted with sailboats, powerboats and kayakers. And with a water taxi ferrying revelers across the Harbor from “Point” to “Landing” restaurants, every weekend feels like a festival.
WATER ADVENTURES SOUNDWATERS SCHOONER
Public and chartered cruises depart from TGM Marina, within walking distance to Crab Shell and Prime.You don’t have to be an old salt to feel comfortable aboard Soundwaters’ Schooner. The 80-foot, three-mast ship is a steel-hulled replica of a 19th-century New Haven Sharpie, a flat bottomed ship able to travel in shallow waters and once used for fishing, oystering and trading. Captain and crew take the Schooner out into Long Island Sound and raise the magnificent sails for two-hour public cruises June through September. Additional sunset cruises run Wednesday through Sunday. Guests can bring their own beverages and finger foods. Groups can charter the Schooner for up to 40 passengers,
and often hire a caterer to create cheese plates and charcuterie boards. soundwaters.org/ sails-rentals/public-schooner-sails/
PADDLE PUB
This pedal-powered party boat has room for 22 guests beneath a blue canopy on an open-air deck. There are 12 pedal stations at the bar, and pedaling is easy through the calm waters (and no worries, the boat has a motor system). Captain and the First Mate steer the paddle wheel through a 90-minute cruise to the outer reach of Stamford Harbor. It’s BYO—bottles of water, beverages in cans and food. You can bring your own playlist to plug into the Bluetooth sound system. And yes, there’s an on-board bathroom ("head," in nautical terms. paddlepub.com
WHAT TO WEAR
For water adventures, be sure to wear flat, rubber-soled shoes (no heels) and sunscreen. Pack for changing weather, a light sweater for winds, rain poncho for salt spray (Paddle Pub cruises run rain or shine), secure hats and
top: Soundwater’s Schooner sets sail for two-hour public cruises from TGM Marina. bottom: Paddle Pub accommodates 22 guests for a BYO—beverages, snacks and music—90-minute pedal-powered paddle in the calm waters of Stamford Harbor.
sunglasses (that the wind won’t blow “into the drink,” the nautical term for going into the sea). Consider packing foods in reusable containers, using cloth napkins and avoiding decorations that harm the environment.
WATER TAXI
The free Harbor Point water taxi motors from Harbor Landing to Harbor Point, Thursday through Sunday from 5 to 11 p.m.
BOAT RENTALS
For those who want to be on the water without the burdens of owning their own boat, local clubs are a nice alternative.
CAREFREE BOAT CLUB
A national company with 75 locations, it has an outpost in Harbor Point. Members have access to a fleet of new cruisers, water sport and fishing boats, ranging from 21 to 26 feet. US Coast Guard-certified captains train boaters on safety, navigation and docking. carefreeboats.com
POWERTIME BOAT CLUB
This club offers powerboat membership packages that match customers with new, luxury yachts like the 25-foot Aquador 250 HT, with room enough for seven people (two cabins, galley, grill, AC, shower and head, and room for fishing equipment). Overnight cruises can be arranged. US Coast Guardcertified captains train members in boating. powertimeboating.com
Docking: WHERE TO TIE UP
Harbor Point owns four marinas. For slip assignments, they monitor communications on marine Channel 9 on VHF radio. Boaters can also call 203-355- 6045 to check availability (no reservations). There’s a three-hour docking time limit (at cost of $1 a foot). harborpointmarinas.com
Overnight visitors are
welcome at the TGM Anchor Point Marina at 150 Southfield Ave. It has 72 slips on the West branch of the Harbor, with many amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, athletic club, indoor basketball court, and lounge and media center. tgmanchorpointmarina.com
The Village’s Star Point Marina has 11 slips for visitors. The city of Stamford has two marinas for residents with registered boats up to 32 feet, at Cove Marina and Czescik Marina.
Stamford Yacht Club is a private club started in 1890 and is the site of serious sailors who love the sport. The club hosts many
of
prestigious races, like the Vineyard Race, which draws 100 boats from all over New England. Participation in the many races and tournament, including the summer Friday night series of races, are
open to members and nonmembers—all sailors with active PHRF certificates (the handicap system allows boats of different sizes to race against one another). stamfordyc.com
left and below: Boat clubs offer access to fishing boats and yachts, without the obligation
ownership. USCGcertified captains train members on safety, navigation and docking. Two boat clubs operate out of Stamford Harbor.
above: Docking is plentiful in Harbor Point, Harbor Landing and The Village.
RESTAURANTS
Dockside patios, rooftop gardens, sunset views, live music and inside, more great views and merciful AC, lively bars with cold beverages, comfortable seating and great food… the restaurants of Harbor Point, Harbor Landing and The Village offer a surfeit of settings and types of food, seafood of course, but also wood-fired pizzas, made-to-order sushi, tacos, burgers and dry-aged prime steaks. A couple restaurants have their own boat slips. Others have access to slips set aside for visitors.
THE CRAB SHELL
The Crab Shell has 11 boat slips, an outdoor patio and dockside bar featuring frozen margaritas, daiquiris and pina coladas—yes, it’s party central, a no-pretense place that has been around forever, 35 years, and is open all the time, seven days a week for lunch and dinner. They serve all the seafood classics, raw bar, grilled, sautéed, broiled or deepfried. Inside the Crab Shell, the vibe is quieter, but the views are still great. Out on the patio, bands play dance music. crabshell.com
THE WHEEL
The Wheel is a large New American restaurant in The Village whose Star Point Marina has 11 slips for visitors with boats from 30 to 45 feet. (They monitor marine communication VHF channel 9, or boaters can call 475-270-1304 to check availability.) The Wheel’s large patio overlooks the boardwalk and boats and is set for a party, with a lounge and bar, and bands playing live music. The Wheel uses local and regionally sourced ingredients, including those grown on their rooftop garden, in their globally influenced, seasonal New American comfort
a smaller terrace. It also hosts events for the public; check the website for the summer schedule. thevillagewheel.com
PRIME: AN AMERICAN KITCHEN AND BAR
food, like their popular whipped eggplant with pita. (Attention boaters: They also have a Graband-Go menu.)
For events, the Village’s venues have amenities with views, a large indoor-outdoor rooftop with a garden, bar, lounge and
Prime doesn’t just refer to aged steaks and fresh seafood. This restaurant has a prime location with prime views. A retractable glass window gives a view of yachts and sailboats coming and going. The most upscale ($$$) of Stamford harbor’s restaurants, it also has a chef from Mizu Sushi creating specialty rolls to order. Prime is also known for its extensive wine list. Outdoor seating includes a Cabana Bar for 78 guests and a deck. Sunday brunch, which includes a la carte and brunch specials, is especially popular. stamford.restaurantprime.com
above: The Crab Shell’s summer party vibe begins with shrimp cocktail and a draft.
above: The Wheel’s seafood tower features chilled lobster tail, oysters, clams, shrimp cocktail and tuna tartare.
this photo: Prime’s Chef Julio garnishes a gourmet dish.
MEXICUE
Besides having a patio and rooftop garden overlooking the harbor, Mexicue projects an individualist, creative vibe that speaks to those who love a good taco, homemade salsa and a spicy, smoky margarita. The chef adds Southern American touches (like barbecued meat) to Mexican techniques. Mexicue captures the zeitgeist of the harbor with its relaxed atmosphere and the view of O&G Industries across the water. Sunsets are superb, especially when paired with pork birria in a flour tortilla with cheese, and a side of consommé for dipping. mexicue.com
HAPPY HOUR SIGN OF THE WHALE
This place can swallow a crowd. Known for cocktails and a lively scene, crowd favorites include the signature “Blue Whale” with coconut rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice and Sprite or the “Gummy Bear,” a blend of cherry vodka and peach schnapps with pineapple and cranberry juices and Sprite. signofthewhale.com
HARBOR POINT EXTRAS
PIZZA
Fortina for wood-fired Italian American pizzas in a loud dining room or quieter rooftop garden. fortinapizza.com
BURGERS
Bareburger is a regional chain grilling organic beef and buffalo burgers. And the crowd pleasers, too: popcorn chicken, pickle chips and spicy mozzarella sticks. bareburger.com
SANDWICHES, SALADS AND SWEETS
Café Salzburg opens at 7 a.m. for breakfast and serves into the evening. Seating is limited, but Harbor Point has plenty of places to sit and enjoy a casual “picnic.” patisseriesalzburg.com
Our Mission
The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure.
To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.
To learn more visit
Breast Cancer Alliance, 48 Maple Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 info@breastcanceralliance.org
Yonni Wattenmaker, Executive Director
people&PLACES
Coastal Cuisine was on the menu for An Evening With David Standridge at Stamford Museum & Nature Center. The benefit dinner, honoring the James Beard Award-winning chef of The Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic, supports the organization’s educational and community programs. Guests were treated to a four-course meal of locally sourced cuisine. The dinner was prepared by On the Marc Events, featuring a special wine pairing by Brescome Barton. stamfordmuseum.org »
1 Douglas L. York, PhD, SM&NC Board President; Melissa H. Mulrooney, SM&NC CEO; Mary Fedeli, SM&NC Board Vice President; Chef David Standridge, Event Honoree and Kathleen Standridge 2 John and Tina Bartels, Darunee Gambino, Todd Gambino, SM&NC Board Member 3 Jameson Riley, SM&NC Board Member; Micheala Diffey and Leigh Diffey, Event Emcee; Melissa H. Mulrooney, SM&NC CEO; Evert Gruyaert; Katriem DeBie; Jessica Riley 4 Leigh Diffey, Event Emcee, Victoria Jaffery, SM&NC Staff, Camembert the Lamb 5 Chef Marc Weber, Event Chef de Cuisine; Melissa H. Mulrooney, SM&NC CEO; Chef David Standridge, Event Honoree 6 John Lipschutz, Lynn Villency Cohen, SM&NC Board Member; Hannah Cleary; Alisa Wida 7 Michael and Carol Fedeli, Co-Chairs of SM&NC’s Campaign for Future Generations 8 Tammy Felenstein, SM&NC Board Member; Harry Day, SM&NC Board President Emeritus; Nancy Freedman
STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER / Annual Benefit Dinner
Special Community
Helping families in need who have children in the special education system, the Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.) hosted a resource fair at the Stamford Jewish Community Center. Parents and caregivers got a chance to hear experts cover topics such as finding a special education attorney and selecting the right school for your child. Schools, therapists, providers, agencies and nonprofit organizations were on hand to provide information, answer questions and offer support. The goal of S.E.L.F. is to “level the playing field” so under-resourced families can “advocate for their children” and better navigate the special education system. spedlegalfund.org
1 Special education advocate panel: Julie Swanson, Caroline Lerum, Jill Chuckas, Christine Lai, Anne Munkenbeck, Jane Faherty, Stacey Tié, Virginia Blum 2 Phyllis Lombardi, Paul Barger, Jennifer Swift 3 Laura Heneghan, Dana Jonson 4 Bobbi Jo Beers greets a guest. 5 Deborah and Michael Beloff 6 Kate Magaldi, Paige Fitzgerald, Mary Hryniewicz
7 Justyna Balzar, Andrew Portnoy 8 Special Education Attorney Panel: Jeff Forte, Robin Keller, Andrew Feinstein, Christine Lai, Laura Heneghan, Dana Jonson 9 Meg Colvin 10 Caroline Lerum, Naomi Nova
SPECIAL EDUCATION LEGAL FUND / Stamford Jewish Community Center
BY SCOTT THOMAS // PORTRAIT BY KATHARINE CALDERWOOD
T eaM a P p RO ach
this photo: Scott Burrell and Jeané Coakley chose Stamford as the perfect spot to raise their family.
TThere is no “I” in “team.” Neither will you find it in Jeané Coakley or Scott Burrell, or in their children, Cora and Coakley. Whether by happenstance or design, the tiny vowel that represents individuality is absent from their names and lives.
For this Stamford couple, the team approach to life seems appropriate given their heavy background in sports. Coakley has worked for SportsNet New York since 2010 and currently serves as the network’s reporter on the New York Jets. Burrell, a former basketball star at the University of Connecticut who won an NBA title with the Chicago Bulls, is now the head coach at Southern Connecticut State University. They have been married since 2015.
While sports careers have perks, the lifestyle is not easy for a married couple. “For six months out of the year,’’ Coakley says, “we’re like two ships passing in the night.”
Like The Beatles said, they get by with a little help from their friends. And family. And whoever else is willing to pitch in with whatever is needed for childcare, transportation or school pickup. The work schedules of a television sports reporter and a basketball coach are ever-changing, and it takes a vast support network to keep the family organized.
“At the end of March, I attended owners’ meetings in Florida and had the schedule all worked out,’’ Coakley remembers. “Then my flight was late. I panicked, and I called Scott, but he had his own work commitment. We have a good team around us. One time, we had three different babysitters for one night. Our kids are really flexible, and we have one babysitter who has been in their lives forever.”
Jeané’s sister Marcia has been entrusted frequently to help the family work through the scheduling challenges. “Jeané is very organized,’’ Marcia says. “A lot of times over the past five or six years, I would take the train to Stamford and spend the weekend there. It’s almost like her children were my kids. We didn’t have kids at the time, so it was nice to grow up with them. We’re all a really close-knit family.”
above: Jeané Coakley and Scott Burrell with children Cora and Coakley in downtown Stamford below: The family on an afternoon outing.
It’s not a big city, we love the neighborhood, and it’s just an awesome place to live.
JEANÉ COAKLEY
this photo and bottom left: Family photos are an important part of their travels. below: The couple on a run in Harbor Point.
More Than Sports
While Jeané and Scott’s affiliations with athletics make them publicly known, it was their mutual interests that pulled them together and helped determine the path of their relationship.
“Obviously, she’s attractive, and she loved sports,’’ Burrell says. “So it was pretty quick, but then we both learned more about each other. Our fathers have the same birthday. She went to school at Quinnipiac, in my hometown. I mean, it’s like a lot of things that make you believe this is the one that you should be with.”
“We like a lot of the same things, so we have fun together,” Coakley says. “We work out together, which we love. We play cards. We’re competitive, we like sports. We love going out to eat, and we love to travel. We got back from a trip to Arizona and visited several national parks. We love exploring and seeing new things. We were both older when we met, so we both kind of knew what we liked.”
The couple’s friends notice something more in their relationship than mutual respect and common interests. They are both genuine and caring, and learned lessons in relationship development from their parents. They serve as similarly strong role models for their son, Coakley, nine, and daughter, Cora, who turned seven in July.
“The thing about them is they’re both ultra successful in their careers,’’ says Mike Papale, a longtime friend who is also a member of the “team” that offers scheduling support. “Scott reached the pinnacle of his career, and Jeané has made it to the top of her field. But I think what sets them apart is who they are as people. They treat everybody the same way.”
Sean Doherty has known Burrrell since 2009, when they worked on the coaching staff of Tom Moore at Quinnipiac. He says Scott’s personality is similar to his late father, Sam, who was a legendary figure in the New Haven sports arena.
“You could tell that Scott had a good upbringing,’’ Doherty says. “When people would come up to Quinnipiac, it was always good to have Coach Burrell around. He would do all the right things. I saw the same thing in Jeané. She has that same type of family bond, and they’ve done that with their children. They have a strong sense of family, they’re
very involved, and you can tell they benefited from a great upbringing.”
DeFininG Moment
Burrell cemented legendary status in 1990 in UConn basketball lore when he fired the pass that led to the game-winning basket by Tate George in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. The top-seeded Huskies, who had blown a 19-point second-half lead, fell behind 70-69 with one second left.
Coach Jim Calhoun designed a play that called for Burrell, a first-round draft choice of the Seattle Mariners, to inbound the ball. He fired a 94-foot laser to George, who got free and made the shot to send the Huskies to the Elite Eight. The shot — and the pass — is one of the defining moments in UConn basketball history and has helped propel them to become a perennial member of the national college hoops stage.
“People thought the game was over,’’ Burrell remembers. “I don’t think it mattered whether I was a baseball player or not. Clemson made one of the biggest comebacks in NCAA history, and we were deflated. I just knew
left: Anthony Licitra, a co-owner at F45, joins the couple for some reps on the bike.
I had to be my part. I saw Tate open in the corner, and I had to throw a little corner pass, like an NFL touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone. Tate did the rest by making the shot.”
Coakley, a 10-year-old girl at the time living in upstate New York, said she had to research the legendary play. “Someone came up to us in New Haven, and they were going on about the pass,’’ she says. “I went to find it and I thought, ‘Yeah, that’s a good pass.’ Then I interviewed Coach Calhoun, and he said he was so upset that they had blown a big lead. He said a lot of people remember Scott as the baseball player, but he also had an arm for football. He thought that helped him just as much. So it was pretty impressive. I’ll give him that.”
Burrell, a first-round draft pick of the Charlotte Hornets, went on to an eight-year career in the NBA and won a title with the Chicago Bulls in 1998. The pass that helped win the Clemson game, however, is the play for which many UConn fans will remember the former Huskies star.
Coakley has her athletic exploits as well. She has run two marathons and 11 half marathons, and earned All-State honors in volleyball and softball in high school. She also played soccer and competed in gymnastics.
Stamford Connection
The couple has found Stamford to be the perfect spot for their work-life balance. While Coakley frequently heads to Florham Park in New Jersey for her Jets beat, Scott travels the Merritt Parkway for his job at Southern.
While it’s an inexact comparison to the team analogy, Coakley’s attention to detail and knack for keeping schedules aligned her in a role similar to a general manager and head coach. Burrell serves as the co-head coach and the assistant who will do whatever is needed to keep the unit in almost perfect harmony. As any two-income family realizes with school, sports and work complexities, there are going to be snafus that require extra sets of hands.
As their home for nearly a decade, they find the city and its vast array of cultural opportunities, restaurants and outlets for their kids the perfect spot to raise their family.
“It’s not a big city, we love the neighborhood and it’s an awesome place to live,’’ Coakley says. “It’s a good halfway point for both of us, and we feel like we’re in the suburbs. I didn’t know anything about Stamford before moving here, and it’s been a great move for our family.”
Scott reached the pinnacle of his career, and Jeané has made it to the top of her field. But I think what sets them apart is who they are as people. They treat everybody the same way.
MIKE
friend
PAPALE, a longtime
left and right: Scott cheers on Jeané before continuing their joint workout.
this photo and images on left: Scott and Jeané exercise together regularly at F45 in Harbor Point.
R EADERS � P ICKS
photograph by ANDREA CARSON
THIS PHOTO
Pastry perfection, courtesy of Raphaël’s Bakery in Greenwich
BEST american + creative menu
THE COTTAGE
Chef Brian Lewis brings serious culinary chops to the table, and we’re always lucky to score a seat. At The Cottage, he’s serving food that feels both familiar and totally fresh, like he’s taken your favorite dish turned it inside out, and made it way better. The cult-favorite steamed buns are a must, but it’s often the quiet dishes, like a seasonal vegetable small plate or a simple pasta, that steal the show.
RIGHT
Elysian Fields lamb rib with wild ramps, rhubarb mostarda and rosemary lamb jus
FOOD + DRINKS
If you know, you know —and if you don’t, well, consider this your cheat sheet. Our food scene has leveled up, and this year’s winners prove it. We’re talking about the kind of places that locals hit on repeat: the go-to bakery with a line out the door, the BBQ worth driving for, the viral bagels that live up to the hype and the neighborhood spots led by nationally recognized chefs. Get ready to discover (or rediscover) the very best that our towns have to offer, according to the people who actually eat here.
photograph by MELISSA OLGUIN
R EADERS � P ICKS
BEST RESTAURANTS
Best Service
The Americano
261 Main St., Stamford, 203-276-8918; theamericanobar.com
Business Lunch
The Capital Grille 230 Tresser Blvd., Stamford, 203-967-0000; thecapitalgrille.com
Creative Menu
The Cottage
49 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-769-1220 |
256 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-3701; thecottage.kitchen
4180 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-255-0800 | 515 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-854-5600 | 222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-348-4800; see all locations at barcelonawinebar.com
EDITOR'S PICK
BEST hotel restaurant
L’escale nails that rare mix of elegance and ease—it’s my go-to for everything from cocktails and apps to a full dinner. The food, the view, the vibe ... it just never misses.
Cristin Marandino, Editorial Director
BEST SPECIALITIES
American
The Cottage
49 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-769-1220 |
256 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-3701; thecottage.kitchen
Mediterranean Layla’s Falafel 2088 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-384-0100 936 | High Ridge Rd., Stamford, 203-461-8004 | 1535 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-955-1583 ; see all locations at laylasfalafel.com
Spanish Barcelona Wine Bar 4180 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-255-0800 | 515 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-854-5600 | 222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-348-4800; see all locations at barcelonawinebar.com
Thai Little Thai Kitchen 4 West Ave., Darien, 203-662-0038 | 21 St. Roch Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-2972; littlethaikitchen.com
BEST
italian // CASA ME
If you can snag a reservation, bring a group and game-plan the menu like it’s a team sport. Casa Me—"my house," for those brushing up on their Italian—is all about passing plates, pouring another glass and pretending you’re on vacation somewhere along the Amalfi Coast. Cin cin!
LEFT
Lasagna Cavolfiore Rossette with cauliflower bolognese, parmigiano, pecorino and ricotta PHOTO
BEST ice cream
VAN LEEUWEN
Here’s the scoop: Honeycomb, Earl Grey Tea and Sicilian Pistachio are fan favorites for good reason, but don’t sleep on the vegan options, like Strawberry Shortcake and Cookies & Cream Caramel Swirl. Add in their ever-rotating lineup of collabs, and it’s no wonder people line up for a scoop. Or two. Or a whole pint.
LEFT
Ice cream sandwiches worth unhinging your jaw for
PHOTO BY
R EADERS
EDITOR'S PICK
BEST burritos
I love going to Valencia Luncheria in the warmer months, sitting on the “beach” and trying something new. Their menu has so many options, it’s hard to choose!
Eileen Murphy, Editor, New Canaan, Darien + Rowayton
ABOVE Sweet or savory? At The Granola Bar, you don’t have to pick sides.
BEST breakfast // THE GRANOLA BAR
The Granola Bar is what happens when a breakfast spot decides it doesn’t have to choose between healthy and indulgent, and wins at both. It’s the kind of place where you can start your day with a turmeric latte, a breakfast burrito the size of your face or a parfait so good it has its own following (looking at you, Crunchy Elvis).
BEST CASUAL FOOD
Bagels
PopUp Bagels
1814 Post Rd., Fairfield | 12 Riversville Rd., Greenwich | 266 S. Main St., Newtown | 971 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-297-8819; popupbagels.com
BBQ
Hoodoo Brown BBQ 967 Ethan Alley Hwy., Ridgefield, 203-438-6033; hoodoobrownbbq.com
Bowls + Noodle Bar/ Noodles
Mecha Noodle Bar 1215 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-8222 | 116 Washington St., Norwalk, 203-295-8718 | 151 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-801-7577; see all locations at mechanoodlebar.com
Burritos
Valencia Luncheria 164 Main St., Norwalk, 203-846-8009; valencialuncheria.com
Frozen Yogurt 16 Handles
1300 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-9841 | 219 Bedford St., Stamford, 203-817-0707; see all locations at 16handles.com
Hamburgers + Family-Friendly
Little Pub
531 E. Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-717-1147 | 2133 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-612-4567 | 41 Saugatuck Ave., Westport, 203-227-0511 | 26 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-1122; see all locations at littlepub.com
Ice Cream
Van Leeuwen
114 Heights Rd., Darien, 475-328-9289 | 375 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 475-275-0951 | 88 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-594-1288 | 31 Church Ln., Westport, 718-701-1630; see all locations at vanleeuwenicecream.com
Pizza Colony Grill 1520 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-259-1989 | 515 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-866-5252 | 172 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, 203-359-2184; see all locations at colonygrill.com
Salads Aux Délices 25 Old Kings Hwy., Darien, 203-662-1136 | 3 W. Elm St., Greenwich, 203-622-6644 | 1075 E. Putnam Ave., Riverside, 203-698-1066 | 1035 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-9600; auxdelicesfoods.com
BEST bakery // FLOUR WATER SALT BREAD
Early mornings in Darien, Greenwich and now New Canaan, you’ll find locals queued up before the doors even open, eager to secure a loaf of Rob VanKeuren’s legendary sourdough. But getting to that bread is only half the battle. Once inside, you have to make it to checkout without giving in to the temptation from the cases stacked with flaky croissants, pillowy bomboloni or colossal coffee cake, and wanting one of everything.
LEFT
Try a kouign-amann or a cardamom bun, fondly referred to as Cardi-B
PHOTO BY GARVIN BURKE
R EADERS � P ICKS
Spicy Miso Ramen with charred corn, scallion, egg, tofu and miso noodles
BEST asian / asian fusion
KAWA NI
The tables are close, the playlist superb, and when you hear that cowbell clang, you know you're in for a good night (sake bombs or not). It’s loud, lively and consistently delicious, thanks to a menu that riffs on Japanese izakaya fare but isn’t afraid to take detours.
R EADERS � P ICKS
BEST DROP-IN SPOTS
Breakfast
The Granola Bar 1020 Post Rd., Darien, 475-328-0994 | 1876 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-692-4311 | 41 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-883-5220 | 700 Canal St., Stamford, 203-883-0304 | 275 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-0945; thegranolabar.com
Brunch + Café/Bistro
Terrain Garden Café
561 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-226-2732; shopterrain.com
Coffee Shop
Coffee for Good 48 Maple Ave, Greenwich, 203-979-4898; coffeeforgood.org
Deli
Firehouse Deli 22 Reef Rd., Fairfield, 203-255.5527; firehousedelifairfield.com
Diner
Sherwood Diner 901 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-226-5535; sherwooddinerct.com
Food Truck
The Tasty Yolk storefront: 2992 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, 203-545-9311; thetastyyolk.com
Health/Organic Food
The Art Space Café 455 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-604-0309; thenorwalkartspace.org
Juice Bar + Vegetarian
Green & Tonic
7 Strickland Rd., Cos Cob, 203-869-1376 |
665 Commerce Dr., Fairfield, 203-345-0995 |
21 Forest St., New Canaan, 203-594-1851 |
17 Jesup Rd., Westport, 203-557-6392; see all locations at greenandtonic.com
Sherwood Diner is Westport’s go-to; a local landmark with retro charm, a modern ever-changing menu that evolves without losing its roots—which is rare—and a spinach artichoke dip that gives Hillstone vibes. I'm there several times a week. I'll have “the usual," and they know exactly what that is.
Samantha Yanks, Editor, Westport, Weston & Wilton
BEST MARKETS+MORE
Bakery
Flour Water Salt Bread 20 Grove St., Darien | 160 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich | 53 East Ave., New Canaan; flourwatersaltbread.com
25 Old Kings Hwy., Darien, 203-662-1136 | 3 W. Elm St., Greenwich, 203-622-6644 | 1075 E. Putnam Ave., Riverside, 203-698-1066 | 1035 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-557-9600; auxdelicesfoods.com
Liquor Store
Total Wine & More
380 Main St., Norwalk, 203-840-0007; see all locations at totalwine.com
Seafood Market
Fjord Fish Market
1015 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-202-9473 | 158 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-661-5006 |
22 East Ave., New Canaan, 203-966-2200 | 1835 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-255-9331; see all locations at fjordfishmarket.com
Wine Shop
Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market
2094 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-259-4692; harryswine.com
Party-sized bites that capture New England summer
BEST caterer MARCIA SELDEN CATERING
Known for their meticulous attention to detail and inventive menus— think tuna tartare cones, truffle mac and cheese bites and elegant spins on comfort food— the Selden team blends culinary finesse with crowdpleasing fun. Behind the scenes, they approach each event with the precision of a restaurant kitchen and the warmth of longtime hosts.
THIS PHOTO
BEST margaritas // BARTACO
No shortcuts here; every margarita is made with freshly squeezed juice and hand-selected spirits, creating a drink that’s perfectly balanced, never fussy. It's not overly sweet, just solid, whether you’re keeping it classic, seeking something spicy or trying one of their seasonal specials. And when you’re sipping on the patio by the Saugatuck, with that salty rim and the cool water views, there is nothing better.
LEFT
A healthy cocktail? Bartaco’s Green Margarita blends pineapple, mango and spinach for a drink that feels almost too virtuous to be this good.
PHOTOS: BARTACO BY DAKOTA ROBERT ROSS; JOSIE & TONY'S BY COLIN CLARK
R EADERS � P ICKS
BEST BAR BOASTS
Beer Selection
Hop & Vine Taproom
30 Spring St., Stamford, 203-517-9047; hopandvinect.com
Josie & Tony’s 20 N. Main St., Norwalk; josieandtonys.com
Microbrewery
Two Roads Brewing 1700 Stratford Ave., Stratford; tworoadsbrewing.com
Mobile Bar + Pub
Little Pub 531 E. Putnam Ave., Cos Cob, 203-717-1147 | 2133 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-612-4567 | 41 Saugatuck Ave., Westport, 203-227-0511 | 26 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-1122; see all locations at littlepub.com
Hudson Malone 323 Main St., Westport, 203-635-7400; hudsonmalone.com
Sports Bar
The Blind Rhino 3425 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, 203-362-5001 | 15 N. Main St., South Norwalk, 203-956-7243; theblindrhino.com
Wine Bar
Barcelona Wine Bar 4180 Black Rock Tpk., Fairfield, 203-255-0800 | 515 West Ave., Norwalk, 203-854-5600 | 222 Summer St., Stamford, 203-348-4800; see all locations at barcelonawinebar.com
BEST martinis + non-alcoholic/mocktails + wine list // JOSIE
& TONY'S
You may need a member to get in the door, but it’s the drinks that make you want to stay all night. Behind the bar, James Lucchesi shakes things up with creative cocktails (try a Clarified Caprese or summer-ready Aperitiki options).On the wine side, owner and sommelier Josh Mesnik curates a 200-bottle list that leans heavy on Champagne, Burgundy and Italian stunners, with something for every mood and meal.
ABOVE
Owner Josh Mesnik named the restaurant after his grandparents.
SHOP + STYLE
Why trek into the city when everything you need is right here? Skip the train, your next fashion fix, sparkling accessory or home upgrade is just around the corner. From chic finds on Greenwich Avenue to standout decor spots along the Post Road, these local gems prove you don’t have to go far to shop like a pro.
photograph by SERGIO KURHAJEC
R EADERS � P ICKS
BEST men’s fashion + men’s shoes + women’s fashion
MITCHELLS/RICHARDS
With complimentary tailoring and trusted advisors who know your wardrobe as well as you do, Mitchells and Richards create a shopping experience that’s as refined as the collections they carry. It’s little wonder they remain a perennial favorite among discerning readers.
BELOW
Blue ombré silk wrap dress (her) and windowpane sportcoat (him), both by Kiton
BEST FASHION
Accessories + Teen Fashion
Apricot Lane 1499 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-292-9888; apricotlaneboutique.com
Consignment
Roundabout
48 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-552-0787 | 1061 High Ridge Rd, Stamford, 203-355-9250 | 606 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-4334; roundaboutcouture.com
Department Store
Darien Sport Shop
1127 Post Rd., Darien, 203-655-2575; dariensportshop.com
Designer Boutique Togs
9 South Ave., New Canaan, 203-972-2871; togsct.com
Event Dresses/Bridal Gowns/Bridesmaid
Dresses
Marietta C. Designs
436 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich; mariettac.com
Eyewear Warby Parker 122 Heights Rd., Ste. 218, Darien; 88-492-7297 | 344 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 475-275-9684 | The SoNo Collection, 100 N. Water St., South Norwalk, 203-648-9689; warbyparker.com and thesonocollection.com
Jeans B Chic 78 Old Ridgefield Rd., Wilton, 203-210-7037; bchicct.com
Lingerie + New Shop La Source 132 Heights Rd., Darien, 203-276-8886 | 44 Elm St., New Canaan, 475-558-9101; lovelasource.com
Everything But Water 84 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-1878; everythingbutwater.com
Women’s Shoes
Shoes ‘N’ More 251 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-629-2323 | 1074-1076 Post Rd., Darien, 203-202-7702 | 121 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-972-8484 | 275 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-4224; see all locations at shoesnmore.com
Men’s Fashion + Men’s Shoes + Women’s Fashion Mitchells/Richards 359 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-622-0551 | 670 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-5165; richards.mitchellstores.com and shop.mitchellstores.com BEST
department store
DARIEN SPORT SHOP
Great for treating yourself or picking up the perfect gift, this family-run institution spans three floors with an expert edit of brands like Peter Millar, Ulla Johnson and Faherty.
R
BEST lingerie + new shop // LA SOURCE
Jessica Curtis Johnson’s chic boutique includes a selection of designer delicates, silk robes, cozy pajamas and sophisticated swimwear. Whether you need a consultation or self-care essentials, the staff’s specialized attention makes every visit feel personal and worth the stop.
THIS PHOTO
The Darien Commons location is awash is blush neutrals.
R EADERS � P ICKS
BEST JEWELRY
Designer Jewelry
Lux Bond & Green
136 Main St., Westport, 203-227-1300; lbgreen.com
Estate Jewelry
Steven Fox Jewelry 8 Lewis St, Greenwich, 203-302-9439; stevenfoxjewelry.com
Everyday Jewelry
JL Rocks
5 Riverside Ln., Greenwich, 203-990-0043 | 292 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-454-4541; jlrocks.com
Hand-forged platinum engagement ring featuring a 2.76C radiant cut HSI2 diamond flanked by 1.04C trapezoid side stones, $49,870
14K yellow gold blue topaz tower earrings, $2,800 JL ROCKS winner of best everyday jewelry
EDITOR'S PICK
BEST decor
Beehive makes me want to be the kind of person who swaps out their decor for every holiday and season. Until then, I’ll keep popping in for inspiration, picking up the occasional perfect piece and chatting with the fabulous staff . Megan Gagnon, Editor, athome in Fairfield County
ABOVE Barely-there hand-crafted glass railings ensure an unobstructed view from this vanishing edge pool.
BEST pool design // GLENGATE
From initial sketches to the final splash, Glengate handles every detail with the kind of design-first approach that turns a backyard into a private resort.
BEST HOME
Antiques/Vintage Store
Fairfield County Antique and Design 39 Knight St., Norwalk, 203-826 8575; fairfieldantiqueanddesign .com
68 Water St., Norwalk, 203-957-8686; chloewinstonlighting.com
Linens
The Linen Shop 21 Elm St., New Canaan, 203-972-0433; thelinenshopct.com
Outdoor Furniture
Serena & Lily 35 Elm St., Westport, 203-635-8000; serenaandlily.com
Paint
Farrow & Ball 32 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-422-0990; farrow-ball.com
Pool Design
Glengate
47 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton, 203-762-2000; glengatecompany.com
Rugs
Redi-Cut Carpets & Rugs 1620 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-349-6686; redicarpets.com
Stone
Gault Stone 11 Ferry Ln. W., Westport, 203-227-5181; gaultstone.com
BEST kitchen + bath WATERWORKS
Voted a reader favorite for good reason, this polished Post Road standout offers a refined selection of kitchen and bath fixtures, fittings and surfaces that seamlessly blend form and function. The space itself is thoughtfully designed to inspire, with vignettes that highlight the brand’s signature mix of timeless materials and modern craftsmanship.
THIS PHOTO
A bathroom board built around the Riverun integrated two-way thermo lever
R EADERS � P ICKS
SERVICES
+ TO-DOS
You’ve got things to do, places to be and maybe a few muscles that need loosening along the way. That’s where this year’s winners come in. From the facialist that locals swear by to the dog groomer who might just love your pup more than you do, these are the MVPs of everyday life—the fitness pros, beauty experts, family lifesavers and daily go-tos that keep your corner of the world running smoothly.
BEST makeup shop // BLUEMERCURY
Bluemercury is the beauty store for people who actually use their serums (and yes, we’ll happily take a sample). It’s packed with the heavy hitters; luxury skincare, the latest in makeup and its own M-61 line, a clinical-grade collection that’s built a loyal following for one simple reason: It works.
RIGHT
A countertop’s worth of glow-up gear
EDITOR'S PICK
BEST mani/pedi
For a pampering experience, I love the lavender pedicure at Posh in Darien. All spa pedicures include a foot massage, which is a relaxing bonus. The service is excellent, and I always run into someone I know.
Elizabeth Hole, Editor, Custom Publishing
BEST FITNESS + GEAR
Activewear
Athleta
350 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-625-0129 | 103-107 Main St., Westport, 203-454-0001; see all locations at athleta.gap.com
Bluemercury 1015 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-656-9660 | 254 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-863-0005 | 120 Main St., New Canaan, 203-972-7100 | 57 Main St., Westport,
203-222-9222 | 62 Main St., Westport, 203-227-6900; see all locations at bluemercury.com
Mani/Pedi
Posh Spa & Nail
1077 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-309-5454 |
195 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 203-900-1099 | 401 Post Rd. W., Westport, 203-222-8830; poshct.com
Massage Delamar
500 Steamboat Rd., Greenwich, 203-661-9800 | 275 Old Post Rd., Southport, 203-259-2800; delamar.com
Medical Spa Element Medical Aesthetics 80 Main St., New Canaan, 203-594-1907 elementct.com
Men’s Styling/Salon
Paul Albert Salon
2060A Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-222-2250; paulalbertsalon.com
Spray Tan
Bronzed by Coy 231 Post Rd., Westport, 203-908-0184; bronzedbycoy.com
Waxing/Hair Removal
Aristy Beauty Studio 228 Mill St., Greenwich, 718-593-5525; aristybeautystudio.com
BEST DAILY ESSENTIALS
Auto Shop
JR Auto & Truck Repair 10 Orchard St., Fairfield, 203-588-0290; jrautoandtruck.com
Bookstore
Westport Book Shop 23 Jesup Rd., Westport, 203-349-5141; westportbooksalesventures .org
Car Wash
Splash Car Wash
see all locations at splashcarwashes.com
CBD Store
Your CBD Store
38 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, 203-489-2549 | 5 River Rd., Unit C01, Wilton, 203-210-7770; getsunmed.com
Dry Cleaners
Fabricare Cleaners
264 Heights Rd., Darien, 203-655-3381 | 2130 Post Rd., Fairfield, 203-256-2725 | 5 Holmes St., Norwalk, 203-229-0001 | pickup service in
Fairfield County, 203-229-0001; fabricarecleaners.net
Entertainment Venue
Westport County Playhouse 25 Powers Ct., Westport, 203-227-4177; westportplayhouse.org
For sculptor and artist MARK ANDREAS, teaching skills that can be passed down from one generation to the next is second nature
BY MARY KATE HOGAN /// PHOTOGRAPHS BY GARVIN BURKE
page
opposite
: Antique woodworking tools that belonged to Mark’s grandfather hang on the studio wall. This page: Mark displays the plans and a few parts for a boat being built by one of his students.
this photo: A 17-year-old named Kit has been working on this wooden tender boat for nearly two years. The boat, made of marinegrade plywood and mahogany, is suspended above the studio when she’s not working on it. opposite page top: The blueprint for the boat, Lighthouse Tender Peapod, which inspired the student to build her vessel. opposite page bottom: Students at work on their projects.
When visitors walk into Studio Andreas inside an old factory building in Glenbrook, they’re greeted by the shop dog, a tan rescue named Mika, along with the comforting scent of wood. Suspended from the ceiling is a wooden lighthouse tender boat, with ropes and pulleys that lower it down when its creator, a teen named Kit, comes in to work on it. Students of different ages stand at their woodworking tables, the buzz of saws and sanders mixing with the music playlist. An 18-year-old named Louise is tending to a mushroomthemed sculpture while a Billy, a tech industry professional, is sanding his hickory and walnut George Nakashima-inspired bench and Bill, a retiree who has studied with Mark Andreas for 10 years, is preparing to work
on the mid-century-style wooden base for a leather ottoman that will be a gift for his daughter. These are not projects (or skills) that can be tackled quickly or easily, and that is by design.
Living in an age where screens, stress and distractions are constant, sculptor and artist Mark Andreas is teaching his students at Studio Andreas to turn their attention—and their hands—to something more creative and fulfilling. Though he has taught woodworking for more than a decade, he opened his own teaching studio four years ago, recently expanding to include textile art with plans for a ceramics studio and gallery in the next month. More than 100 students attend classes here each week, ranging in age from 13 to 85; kids ages five to 13 can participate over the summer. About the hand crafts, Andreas says, “It slows you down, connects you to the
It slows you down, connects you to the material, connects you to the time and quiets the mind. That’s a beautiful thing.
MARK ANDREAS
Woodworking is a craft, and it is a chance to create something, but really more profoundly, it’s an opportunity to discover nature.
MARK ANDREAS
material, connects you to the time and quiets the mind. That’s a beautiful thing. It’s a really great antidote, working in this sort of manner, to the day and age we live in.”
The crafts that students learn here are not only about the art of creation. “Woodworking is a craft, and it is a chance to create something, but really more profoundly, it’s an opportunity to discover nature,” says Andreas. He references the oldest sugar maple in the state, a circa-1570 tree found on a property in North Stamford, which one of his students turned into a wooden box, and wool from a sheep at the Stamford Nature Center that’s being spun into yarn in the textiles room. Think farm-to-table, but this is sheep-to-scarf. The studio is also a place where people who might never meet otherwise to bond around shared pursuits. “People come to take a class, but end up really enjoying the community we have here.”
DEEP ROOTS
It was through his own close relationships that Andreas first learned woodworking. His grandfather was a woodworker and engineer, and his father, also an engineer, was skilled at wood crafts; both shared their hands-on knowledge with him as a young boy. Today many of the same antique tools he learned on, from chisels to planers, are hanging in the studio and his great grandfather’s 1887 wooden worktable sits at the entry. He grew up in Shelton with the Far Mill River in his backyard and spent most afternoons outside and in his family’s wood shop building things, in particular boats and docks for the water. “I was always drawn to it, and I kept trying to build things to interact with it and engage with it,” he says. “I think that really developed my passion for making and creating things, boats and ways of navigating on the river.”
Andreas, who is partially dyslexic, found that working with his hands and brainstorming projects gave him a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
“My 3D thinking was always really strong.” When Andreas was 14, he was sent to Northern Germany, where his father is from, to attend a summer boat-building and furniture-making program. He continued for several summers, developing his skills and ultimately heading to the Art Institute of Boston, where he was drawn to the wood shop
above and right: The first projects for all students are wooden spoons and boxes; then they progress to making stools and bowls. below: Eliot is turning a bowl at the lathe.
and decided to become a sculptor.
Over the years Andreas has worked as a boat builder, house builder, furniture designer, art director and set designer, but his main focus for the last three decades has been pursuing his career as artist and craftsperson. He has exhibited his work internationally, showing in Europe and Asia. And he has also been commissioned to create public sculptures that are on display in Finland and Sweden and, closer to home, in Peekskill and Stamford, at The Wheel Restaurant. He has lectured and taught at Yale University. And after teaching for a number of years at Silvermine Arts Center, he decided to start his own space to work with students and pass along the skills that were handed down to him.
PURE IMAGINATION
Though some of the students at Studio Andreas have an artistic flair, many are not from an art background, he explains. Especially among the evening classes, there are people from the financial or programming worlds who spend all day working with digital technology and really need a break from it. His goal is to help students master the technique and also engage with the material. Though it’s possible to take one seven-week class, most students get hooked and continue to attend class for five semesters a year or even longer. They begin by learning the fundamentals, especially safe practices for operating the tools and equipment. The first project is to carve a spoon and then a wooden box and, eventually a project of the student’s choice.
“My grandfather taught me that the human mind is not capable of imagining something you cannot make,” Andreas says. So he is open to any ideas his students can dream up. It’s part of the process of expanding their abilities. Student projects vary in scope and size, from an intricate carved mole maker with traditional motifs, made by a woman whose Mexican grandmother taught her to make mole sauce, to a large garden trellis that’s being built by a Yale infectious-disease scientist. “We’re focusing on long-term development of mastery of a craft and whether that’s in textiles, ceramics of woodworking, it’s a rare thing these days.”
above left and right: This bench inspired by Nakashima is the brainchild of long-time woodworking student Billy right: Shop dog
Mika takes a snooze on the couch. below left: Mushroom art by a young student. below right: This trivet is the product of leftover wood scraps.
this: This mushroom sculpture was created by an 18-year-old student named Louise. right: A student sands her trivet.
this photo: A student’s early drawings for the next project. right: Above the woodworking studio’s pencil sharpener are words any wood maker needs to remember.
this photo: Woodworking instructor Herbert Thomas assists student Marcie.
this photo: The studio is stocked with specialty lumber, as well as boards salvaged from downed trees.
We’re
focusing on long-term development of mastery of a craft and whether that’s in textiles, ceramics of woodworking, it’s a rare thing these days.
MARK ANDREAS
this: A display of sculptures created by the studio owner.
TREES OF LIFE
The materials used are equally important and for Andreas, his love of trees and nature is reflected in everything he does. He encourages students to source wood from their own backyard or even gather something they find along the road. They also work with local yards to find wood that’s locally sourced as well as lumber from around the world. With approximately 70,000 species of trees on earth, each with its own superlatives and characteristics, woodworkers can find the perfect material for a particular project, he says. He also explains that the wood is a living material, and its cells will “tell” you if you’re planing it in the wrong direction—the grain will resist the tool. One of his favorites among the forests in our area is the Connecticut state tree, the white oak.
“Oaks are amazing because they’re sort of the queens of the forest around here. They tend to be some of the oldest and grandest trees,” he says, noting that a single oak can support up to 300 caterpillars that play a role in our ecology. “Every piece of wood you’ve ever worked with is a unique individual that you’ve never met before. As a woodworker, you get to peer into this magical, nonhuman living world inside of every tree. Something most people don’t get to see.” Through their work at Studio Andreas, students get a better understanding of nature around them.
UNCOMMON THREADS
Some of the same appreciation for nature and lessons in patience are gained through the other art taught at the studio: weaving (and soon, ceramics). Chelsea Danburg, the weaving instructor who is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, teaches students to work the looms, some of which are antiques. Before any actual weaving takes place, the set-up process of winding the warp board and threading it takes weeks, she explains, a counter to current times when everything is instant. “Let me issue a disclaimer,” she says with a laugh, “this does take time,” noting it’s part of
this photo: Textiles instructor Chelsea Danburg teaches the fine art of weaving. right: Brightly colored spools of threads ready for the picking for students’ next fiber project. below: A student’s “rag rug” in progress.
this photo and above: Looms, spinning wheels and supplies are ready for the next class.
her job to manage expectations. Students can use the spinning wheel on the premises to create their own yarn and thread.
One 13-year-old student gathered clothes that no longer fit and repurposed them into material to weave into a rag rug.
The studio owns a portable loom that it brings to public places, such as the Greenwich Library and the Stamford Art and Nature Center, to give people a chance to try it. Danburg calls weaving a “rhythmic,
tactile” process. “Your loom bench is a place to come home to,” she says. “Crafts used to be a way to connect with others, like with old-fashioned quilting bees.”
While students are relating and learning, they are also developing mental fortitude that’s needed to complete a grand project such as the sloop that young Kit has been building over the past two years. “Failure is a huge part of it and overcoming that and moving forward from having things
not turn out the way you expected,” Andreas says, adding that it’s important to stay away from perfectionism and focus on creativity. Another huge benefit of woodworking and hand crafts is stress relief. “Spending time with a beautiful piece of wood and working it, that time doesn’t go fast but it is healing,” he says. “We’re not a self-help place, but many people have told me how this is cheaper than therapy and it serves a purpose.”
Failure is a huge part of it and overcoming that and moving forward from having things not turn out the way you expected.
MARK ANDREAS
this photo: Vintage planers double as wall art in the woodworking studio.
DOUGLAS WRIGHT Douglas C. Wright Architects HEIDE HENDRICKS Hendricks Churchill
JOSH GREENE Josh Greene Design
MELISSA REAVIS Hollander Design
Healthy Smiles
TOP DENTISTS OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY 2025
Scan here to view our digital TOP DENTISTS LISTING!
Whether you need a simple check-up or dental surgery, selecting the right dentist is an important decision to make. Fairfield County has a wealth of leading practitioners, so we’ve streamlined the process by creating our 2025 Top Dentists Guide. To assemble the annual list we relied on the experts at topDentists™, who have more than seventy years in combined experience compiling peer review referral guides in the legal, dental and medical fields. The company recognizes elite dentists chosen by other dental professionals through a comprehensive selection process. With more than 200 local practitioners at the top of their field, our directory can help you find the right dentist in whatever specialty you need. »
DENTAL ANESTHESIOLOGY
ABRA DILISIO
Pediatric Dental Sedation Specialists of Connecticut 37 North Avenue, Norwalk 203-817-2534 pdssct.com
ENDODONTICS
BRIAN AMOROSO 259 Stillson Road, Fairfield 203-333-3636 amorosoendo.com
ALEXANDRA BYRNE 5 Eversley Avenue, Norwalk 203-803-1849
TRISHA CHARLAND Coastal Endodontics 148 East Avenue, Norwalk 203-857-1284 coastalendoct.com
JOEL B. CHASEN
Advanced Endodontics of Connecticut 95 Armory Road, Stratford 203-377-1331 advancedendo-ct.com
Aesthetic Dentistry of Fairfi eld 2600 Post Road, Southport 475-258-7683 adfct.com
JEFFREY D. O’CONNELL Gold Coast Dental 1177 Post Road, Fairfi eld 203-292-9292 goldcoastdentalpros.com
MIN SUNG YOON
Evergreen Family Dental & Southbury Smiles 1300 Post Road, Fairfi eld 203-259-7870 evergreenfamilydentalgroup. com
WILLIAM ZAPATA
Dental Specialists of Darien 24 Old Kings Highway South, Darien 203-408-2720 dentalspecialistsofdarien.com
Top Dentists
The Process Behind the List
To create our Top Dentists directory, we utilized the experts at topDentists™, which has more than seventy years in combined experience compiling peer-review referral guides in the legal, dental and medical fields. The research company, which started topDentists in 2007, uses a thorough selection process to recognize dentists who are chosen by other dental professionals.
INTRODUCTION
This list is excerpted from the 2025 topDentists™ list, a database that includes listings of more than 210 dentists and specialists in the Fairfield County area. The list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dental professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at usatopdentists.com. For more information, call 706-364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903 or visit usatopdentists.com.
SELECTION PROCESS
“If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?”
This is the question we’ve asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies and of course physical results.
The nomination pool of dentists consists of all dentists listed online with the American Dental Association as well as dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists that they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peer’s work when evaluating the other nominees.
Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given a careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received and status in various dental academies can play a factor in our decision.
Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.
Of course, there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate, and useful list of dentists available anywhere
Disclaimer
This list is excerpted from 2025 the topDentists™ list, which includes listings for over 210 dentists and specialists in the Fairfield County area. For more information, call 706-364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email help@usatopdentists.com or visit usatopdentists.com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2010-2025 by topDentists, Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.
Dr. Bina Park
DR. BINA PARK ORTHODONTICS
42 Sherwood Place Greenwich, CT 203.900.1111 drbinapark.com
Come visit Dr. Bina Park in her warm and friendly office! She is dedicated to creating customized and individualized treatment plans for each patient. We are a boutique practice that treats adults and children in an environment 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 and ensures that each patient understands their goals and treatment plan. 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 self-confidence. She makes an effort in giving
With over 35 years of combined orthodontic experience, Dr. Kesselman and Dr. Ellis bring an unmatched depth of knowledge and expertise to each patient. Their long-standing commitment to excellence is re ected in every smile they create.
Meet Dr. Scott Kesselman and Dr. Allison Ellis
Respected leaders in orthodontic care, proudly serving the Riverside and Greenwich communities. Riverside Orthodontics is a top-tier aligner provider, known for delivering exceptional results with a personalized touch. Both doctors stay closely connected to their academic roots, actively engaging with alumni networks to stay current with the latest advancements in orthodontics. Their commitment extends beyond the of ce—they are proud participants in local Greenwich community initiatives, highlighting their passion for both clinical excellence and community well-being.
A Family-Friendly Practice
every patient the experience that makes the journey of 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 AADR Student Research 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 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 husband, Dr. Michael Koch and children reside in Greenwich, Connecticut where they love being part of the Greenwich community.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling (when she can), skiing, and loves ballroom dancing.
Our orthodontic mission, here at Dr. Bina Park Orthodontics, is to provide excellent orthodontic care in a warm and caring environment where the focus is on creating amazing, functional smiles.
We are excited to meet you.
CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY AND ORTHODONTICS OF GREENWICH
1212 East Putnam Avenue Riverside, CT 203.698.0794
childrensdentistryandorthodontics.com
Silvestro Iommazzo, DDS & Victor Pardi, DDS
Why did you choose your specialty?
What sets you apart from your competition?
At Riverside Orthodontics, our patients are like family. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality orthodontic care in a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels appreciated. From the moment you walk through our doors, we strive to make every visit comfortable, relaxed, and positive for patients of all ages.
Modern Care with a Personal Touch
We blend proven techniques with thoughtfully selected advancements in orthodontic technology to deliver ef cient, customized treatment plans. Our focus is on what works best for each individual—because great results should always come with great care.
As a specialist in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Iommazzo cares for the oral health of children from infancy to early adult. As a specialist in orthodontics Dr. Pardi supports patients by improving their smiles and selfesteem, in addition to correcting even the most complex bite problems. We both have different passions but strive to do all we can for our patients.
Our practice has continued to serve our community for over thirty years. We provide state-of-the-art treatment in all phases of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, including emergency service 24-7. We are constantly engaged in continuing education to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies to best serve our patients and families.
About Dr. Dantini:
Peter Dantini, DDS received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree form Loyola University School of Dentistry and has been a lifelong resident of Stamford and New Canaan, an active member in both communities and the expertise behind Dantini Dental of Stamford.
Experience in the eld: Since 1990, Dr. Dantini has created a warm familyfriendly atmosphere for patients and office staff. He is an active medical staff member at Norwalk Hospital, seeing patients at their dental clinic or operating room. Dr. Dantini utilizes the latest technology. He was the first in Stamford to obtain the amazing Cerec technology, used to create and fit crowns in as little as one hour, or take digital dental models without uncomfortable impression materials. Dr. Dantini uses 3D digital x-ray imaging of the head and neck to see and diagnose early medical/dental problems. As early adopters of digital x-rays, dental lasers and minimally invasive dentistry (air abrasion), patients often avoid injections and drilling.
Peter Dantini, DDS
DANTINI DENTAL
12 Camp Ave Stamford, CT
203.322.5397
dentistdds.com
@dantinidentalofstamford
dantinidentalofstamford
Mission:
Dr. Dantini makes personalized service for cosmetic, preventative, periodontal and restorative dental needs his priority. During treatment, your comfort is paramount, using his highly capable and gentle way to win over nervous patients and make your visit convenient and pleasant. With your comfort and care in mind, appointment times include early evenings and Saturdays of at least one hour each. Dr. Dantini participates with most major insurance plans and works within their guidelines to help cover your treatment. Free parking is available and convenient to Metro North and public transportation.
Services offered: Cerec crowns in as little as one hour, Dental Laser Treatment, Air Abrasion/ microdentistry, Zoom whitening, Lumineers/Veneers, CBCT and Digital x-rays, Cosmetic Dentistry, Prosthetic Dentistry, Implant restoration, Partial Dentures, Full Dentures, Endodontics (root canals), Extractions, Minor gum surgery, Treatment of gum disease, Bite guards/NTI, Nitrous Oxide/oral sedation, and Children’s Dentistry.
STAMFORD DENTAL GROUP, LLC
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS
SPECIALTY: Prosthodontics: Specializes in Complex, Restorative and Implant Dentistry
47 Oak Street, Suite 220, Stamford, CT
203.325.4700
stamforddentalgroup.com
info@stamforddentalgroup.com
DR. JACK DEGRADO is an experienced dentist who has served the New York and Stamford communities for over 30 years. He graduated from Columbia College of Dental Medicine and trained in implantology at Brookdale University Hospital, followed by a specialty in prosthodontics at Montefiore Medical Center. He founded Stamford Dental Group over 25 years ago; today, his practice includes three passionate dentists specializing in prosthodontics who are certified experts in restoring and replacing teeth.
With his experience, Dr. DeGrado is recognized as a specialist in complex implant cases as well as replacement of teeth. His goal is to provide beautiful smiles to people suffering with difficulty chewing, dentures, or loss of teeth.
Stamford Dental Group offers Teeth in One Day, which includes placement of implants and fixed teeth, for immediate improvement. Dr. DeGrado states that “They fit, feel and function like natural teeth. It’s a life changing procedure.”
Stamford Dental Group is a state-of-the-art practice that uses the latest technologies and complies with strict CDC guidelines.
The 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography
(CBCT) is used for diagnostics, while the advanced laser technology is used to do painless fillings without anesthesia and gum surgery with minimal discomfort. They also use a modern digital scanner for patient comfort and increased accuracy.
Dr. DeGrado believes that “Great patient care goes hand-in-hand with customer service. From the minute people walk in, they see a difference.”
The entire team at Stamford Dental Group is focused on patients’ needs.
That is also why a lot of time is spent during the initial consultation, to understand each patients’ situation and their goals.
Dr. DeGrado also believes in giving back to the community.
For 5 years, he has held a Dentistry from the Heart event at this office and donated free dental care to those in need. He also supports the Food Bank of Fairfield County and Operation Smile, which provides corrective surgeries for children with facial deformities.
Whether you are interested in natural-looking tooth replacement options, repairing badly damaged teeth or improving your smile, his office can develop a plan tailored to your exact needs.
JACK DEGRADO, D.D.S.
Build Awareness. Reach New Clients.
Legal Profile Special Section
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GREEK GETAWAY
As one of the restaurant winners for Best of the Gold Coast, Kouzina Greek Taverna & Bar brings Mediterranean cuisine and a lively, coastal ambience to downtown Stamford. The menu features authentic Greek dishes from the grill, from the oven or from the sea (Thalasina), and many of the offerings are meant to be shared. Kouzina, which means kitchen in Greek, invites guests to experience delicious meals in a celebratory, plate-smashing atmosphere inspired by the island life of Mykonos.
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