Dandelion is ready to sprout, as our town’s next hot destination.
The restaurant inside the new Delamar Westport hotel previewed its stuff Thursday and Friday. There’s a private party tonight. Dandelion opens to the public on Tuesday (dinner only, at first).
The public will be very impressed.
From the stunning, ESH-ish design with a soaring ceiling and plenty of color, to the creative and very tasty Mediterranean menu — along with meticulous attention to small details, and an attractive, large bar — Dandelion will fill both a culinary niche, and a social one.
Hotel restaurants are seldom destinations for non-guests. This one will be.
It’s hard to describe the vibe that attendees felt during previews. But word of mouth will spread. Reservations will fill quickly.
Yet unlike dandelions in spring, this place continue to grow — beautifully — a long time.
Dandelion, before the first guests arrive. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Tomorrow’s (Sunday) CT United motorcycle ride will impact travel on Riverside Avenue, Wilton Road — and cross streets — from Exit 17 to the Wilton line.
The event — paying tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11 — is the largest motorcycle ride in the state.
It begins around 11:30 a.m. at Sherwood Island State Park. Hundreds of riders head south on I-95; take Exit 17, and then proceed to Wilton, and on through 7 towns before ending in Bridgeport.
The route is closed and continuous. With the assistance of a police escort, motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs.
Drivers should expect extended traffic delays along the route — potentially 45 minutes or longer. Alternate routes are recommended.
The start of the CT United ride, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Penny Pearlman)
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Yesterday’s “06880” Instagram Live interview with 1st selectman candidate David Rosenwaks went off — finally — without a technical hitch.
Nearly 200 followers tuned in, offering questions and comments as I spoke with the Independent Party candidate.
Topics ranged from his backgroudn and Westport activities, to his views on the biggest issues facing the town, and possible solutions.
Click here or below to see the interview.
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Connecticut households pay nearly twice the U.S. average for electricity.
But there’s help. Sustainable Westport offers resources to lower costs, and strengthen energy resilience and efficiency.
They include the new HeatSmart Westport program, and getting a Home Energy Solutions audit to take advantage of 30% federal tax credits for solar and battery storage, or rebates on electric vehicles and chargers.
Click here for a complete guide. Click here to read why Connecticut’s energy bills are so high.
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Speaking of the environment: On Thursday Morgan Veltri — who works in Westport, and is a 2025 graduate of East Stroudsburg University, with a degree in environmental studies — gave a talk at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center about spotted lanternflies.
She discussed how to recognize the invasive species, their impact, reporting, and prevention and management.
If you missed it — no problem. Just click here for her very informative slide show, and more information.
Morgan Veltri and …
… a spotted lanternfly.
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Speaking still of the environment: Oliver Nurseries hosts an “Autumn Evening in the Garden” (September 20, 5:30 p.m.), featuring Daniel and Brittany Moreno of Kneads Bakery.
Centered around “the intersection of food, nature and community,” the event includes seasonal food and drink, speakers, and a chance to experience the nursery’s grounds during the low light of the change of season.
Suzanne Lenzer will prepare recipes from her new release. Also on hand: James Calcagnini (mushroom farmer, forager and educator), and representatives from nOURish Bridgeport, the first non-profit hydroponic facility in the state.
Tickets are $150. Proceeds help nOURish Bridgeport bring fresh, healthy, local produce to food insecure residents. Email trish@olivernurseries.com to reserve a spot.
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Bigelow Teas — the “Constant Comment” company founded by a Westport family — is headquartered in Fairfield.
But for decades they’ve given back to our town, and the rest of Fairfield County.
The 38th annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge (September 27, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Southport) is a great way for others to give back, too.
The day includes a 5K run and 2-mile walk (10 a.m.), plus a kids’ fun run (9 a.m.). There’s a “virtual run/walk” option too.
Registration includes a goodie bag and raffle ticket.
Last year’s event raised over $182,000 for a variety of local organizations. This year’s list includes the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Mercy Learning Center, Cardinal Shehan Center, Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County, Center for Family Justice, Connecticut Food Bank, Caroline House, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Norma Pfriem Breast Center, CT Challenge, Horizons at Greens Farms Academy and Pivot Ministries.
Click here to register, and for more information.
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A new school year has begun. So the next meeting of the Westport Book Shop’s Short Story Club (September 25, 6 p.m.) will focus on 3 stories about teachers and students.
- “Prime” by Caoilinn Hughes
- “A Way with Bea” by Shanteka Sigers
- “Biology” by Kevin Wilson.
All are available at the Westport Library for printout, at the Book Shop in hard copy to borrow, or online. “Prime” is at granta.com; “Biology” at thesouthernreview.org; a reading of “A Way with Bea” can be heard on a symphonyspace.org Selected Shorts 2023 podcast.
Registration is required. Call 203-349-5141 or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.
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We get a lot of sunset photos, for both our “Pic of the Day” and “Westport … Naturally.”
Sunrises — not so many. (It might have to do with the difference between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.)
But here’s a nice early morning shot, from Sherwood Island State Park:
(Photo/Todd Ehrlich)
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And finally … on this date in 1997, Elton John sang a new version of his 1973 song, “Candle in the Wind,” at the funeral of his friend, Princess Diana. Originally written to honor Marilyn Monroe, the lyrics were changed in tribute to the Princess of Wales, killed in an automobile accident a week earlier.
After a global audience of 2.5 billion watched the performance live broadcast, Elton released the song just one week later. Proceeds benefited Diana’s charities. He has never performed the Diana version of the song since.
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FYI the Ct. United Ride scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday) has been canceled due to weather concerns….