Author Archives: Dan Woog

Roundup: Westport Inn, Black Duck, Playhouse …

Posted on July 9, 2022 | 4 comments

The proposal to upgrade the Westport Inn has been pulled from the next Planning & Zoning Commission agenda. A public hearing has been postponed to September 12.

The first plan included hotel rooms and housing units. Housing was eliminated from subsequent plans.

The current proposal would redevelop the existing 116-room hotel to 85 rooms. Site improvements include addition landscaping, a new 3-story addition, demolition of the front building, minor additions to the rear building, pool, rear dining terrace, and driveway and parking improvements.

All application materials can be viewed here (scroll down for 1595 Post Road East).

Westport Inn property: aerial view.

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Jennifer Howe Rosen headed to the Black Duck the other day. With live music, she thought it would be packed.

It wasn’t. She writes:

“Pre-COVID the Duck was packed with families, salty dogs, townies, tourists, and post-train business people.

“The Duck built a new deck, and refreshed the place. They managed to stay open during the worst of the pandemic.

“They are our local watering hole and burger/seafood destination. They have live music, boat access, and their signature tilt toward the river. It’s time to get back to our loyal, salty roots and frequent the Duck!”

The Duck (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, James Naughton, Eva Le Gallienne, Jack Klugman, Imogene Coca and Sandy Dennis are just a few of the actors who lived in Westport or Weston, and made the short trip to star on the Westport Country Playhouse stage.

Clay Singer too.

The 2013 Staples High School graduate and former Players star has already performed at the historic theater, in “Romeo and Juliet” and “Man of La Mancha.” He returns in the next WCP show, “4000 Miles.”

There are many reasons to love the Playhouse. Seeing homegrown — and excellent — talent is an added bonus. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Clay Singer

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Thursday night’s Levitt Pavilion show with the Kitchen Dwellers was a smash. They roared through classic bluegrass and psychedelia, with both rock riffs and acoustic flair.

The Grateful Web noted their appearance, calling the Levitt an “iconic venue.”

There’s plenty more ahead for the Levitt, including the July 29-30 Twiddle Festival. Click here for tickets and more information.

The Kitchen Dwellers crowd. (Photo/Marc W. Halpert)

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Congratulations to Matthew Fleming. He just completed his Eagle Scout project.

The rising Staples High School senior built 2 picnic areas at Sherwood Island State Park. He dug holes, placed grills, planted 16 trees, hammered poles and added fencing.

Matthew calls the project a great lesson in leadership, finding and filling anew, and environmental stewardship.

Matthew Fleming (left) at work on his Eagle Scout project

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“Cheese Fries & Froot Loops” — the funny, poignant solo show written and performed by Weston’s Chris Fuller, about this lifelong dream to play on the PGA Tour while living with bipolar manic disorder — has added a pair of benefit performances.

The July 23 and 24 shows (8 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club), will raise funds for the Artists Collective of Westport’s project to provide art supplies and instruction to underserved children.

Reservations (suggested donation: $15) can be made by email (aspetuck@optonline.net) or phone (203-349-8786).

Chris Fuller, in “Cheese Fries & Froot Loops.”

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Builders Beyond Borders hosts an open house on Wednesday, July 13 (6 to 7:30 p.m, 66 Fort Point Street, Norwalk).

Students and parents are invited to learn more about B3’s service projects, including trips to Ecuador during next year’s school breaks.

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Susan Garment spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” star, all color-coordinated on Sylvan Road North.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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And finally … in honor of our story above about Westport’s longtime favorite dive bar:

 

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Westport Country Playhouse

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Online Art Gallery #118

Posted on July 9, 2022 | Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #118

Iit’s rare, but once again we feature needlepoint in our online art gallery. Thank you, Diane Yormark!

That reinforces the idea: This is your gallery. All readers are invited to contribute to our online art gallery. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.

All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world!

“A Gull Checks Navigation” (Peter Barlow)

“Peekagrrrrr,” Artist Mke Hibbard says, “The photo is of an 800-pound rose marble, custom carved in China tigress.” It’s located now in Westport.

“Painting in New Mexico” (Werner Liepolt)

Eyeglass case needlepoint (Diane Yormark)

“Kim’s Egret” (Steve Stein)

Untitled (Fred Cantor)

 

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[OPINION] Middle School And Rowing: The Race Defines Us

Posted on July 9, 2022 | 4 comments

Summer is in full swing. School is already in the rear view mirror.

But before we lose it completely, let’s look back on the year. Weston Middle School 8th grader Owen Bernheim answered the call to submit a graduation speech.

His wasn’t selected. But his mom Jennifer thought the parallels between life at school, and with his Saugatuck Rowing Club teammates, was worth sharing.

I agree. Take it away, Owen!

Hello everyone!

It’s been a crazy few years filled with Zoom calls, new experiences, laughter, lessons learned, and COVID tests. Walking in to middle school on the first day, I thought “wow, this is going to be great.” New friends, new teachers, new school.

Owen Bernheim

I don’t like change, but I knew something was going to be different. Let’s just say this is not the type of different I was expecting.

Halfway through 6th grade, we were sent home. Just a quick break from school, nothing to worry about. Well, 2 weeks turned into a month, a month turned into 2 months, and from there, we all know what happened.

However, people took up new hobbies during the pandemic, all from home. Most of them continued back in person. Some opportunities were life-changing. The big one for me was rowing — the sport famous for early practices, grueling cardio work, and athletes with no social life.

Middle school isn’t too different from rowing. During the spring season we focus on a 2k. Spring is a sprint-race season. You go all out, as fast and hard as you can, for 6 to 9 minutes. A 2k is broken down into 3 chunks: the first 500 meters, the middle 1,000 meters, and the last 500 meters.

The first 500 is all about getting out on top, while still maintaining energy. That’s pretty comparable to sixth grade, right? Light work.

The middle 1,000 meters is all about staying where you can push, but still keeping a certain level of comfort so as to not burn yourself out, without settling too much. Seventh grade was like that, but I think we were all a little bit burnt out after seventh grade.

The last 500 meters is all about fighting for speed, and the win. It’s where your lungs and everything else starts to hurt. It consists of trying to keep your head above water (metaphorically, of course). It also consists of a sprint, which all sums up 8th grade.

Owen and his Saugatuck Rowing Club teammates, at the USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Florida. They finished 6th in the U16 8+ category.

What people don’t realize about rowing though is that it’s a team sport. You’re not doing a 2k alone; you never go through anything alone because there is always someone to guide you along the way. A friend, a coach, an older teammate. I think this is a lot like middle school.

And what people don’t realize about middle school, something that I think we all forget, is that you’re not alone. There will always be friends and teachers to support you, even when you’re struggling. Middle school is much like a team. I think it’s important to notice that and to embrace your team, because without friends, teachers, guidance counselors, principals, and many others, none of this would be possible.

Owen Bernheim at the USRowing Youth National Championships.

Everybody plays an important part in this journey. Without just one of these people, the puzzle wouldn’t be complete. There will be some struggles along the way, but that’s part of life, just like catching a crab while rowing.

A crab is when a person’s blade flips underwater, causing it to get stuck and occasionally throwing you out of the boat. Other times, your oar gets flung out of your hands. However, it isn’t about the crab itself, but how you recover. This is much like getting a bad grade on a test, or handling school during COVID. It’s also like making a split-second decision, which could determine a good grade, a bad grade, a win, or a loss.

When we make a wrong decision, it should never define us. What should define us is how we recover from those mistakes. How we change our future, try to do good, and help others. These are all things that we should be defined by. Everyone makes mistakes, but what is truly important is how we pull ourselves out of that crab that wants to suck us in. How we handle ourselves in the face of adversity is what we should take note of.

Now is the time to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them. But now is also the time to be smart and not let what you do negatively impact your future.

Sometimes people hesitate to try new things in fear of mistakes and failure. However, you would be surprised how many people have been greatly successful after trying something new.

I have a small podcast where I interview CEOs and entrepreneurs about their businesses. It’s called The Rising Entrepreneurs Podcast. One thing that every interviewee has told me is that they wish they had not gone into things so hesitantly. They wish they had taken more chances sooner, because without taking calculated risks, success would not have followed.

Trying new things right now in this phase of our lives is important, because you’re only a teenager once. You’re surrounded by a big team who is truly committed to you: teachers, family, friends, coaches, and your community.

So, let’s make these next 4 years of our lives count, because after high school, we’re all going to go different ways, to meet different people, and experience new things. As I end this speech tonight, I don’t just want it to mean the end of middle school. I want it to mean the beginning of a new part of our lives. Four years that will be unforgettable — but hopefully in a different way than the last few. Thank you.

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Pic Of The Day #1908

Posted on July 8, 2022 | 1 comment

Hanging out to dry, on Roosevelt Road (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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Friday Flashback #304

Posted on July 8, 2022 | 29 comments

With the recent barbs being thrown Hook’d’s way, let’s revisit the Compo Beach concession stand.

We’ve featured these in previous Friday Flashbacks. But with so many newcomers to town — and so many others who so fondly remember Hook’d’s ancestors —  it’s a good time to check in with its predecessors.

Long before Joey’s by the Shore, there was this:

The photo is from 1933. The concession stand was located where the volleyball courts are now.

Later, at the same spot, came Chubby Lane’s:

(Photo courtesy of Liz Doyle Boyd)

Anyone could drive right up, order a really good burger, and eat outside — all without a beach sticker.

Like many teenagers, I worked at Chubby’s. It was a plum job: in the middle of all the action, with plenty of other kids, and free food. Sure, we wore dorky navy blue shorts and knee-length socks, but that was the price we paid.

Before my time, Chubby’s employees roamed the beach with walkie-talkies. They’d call in orders, and tie a balloon on a beach chair. A few minutes later, another employee hand-delivered the food.

Joey Romeo was the next well-organized, much-loved concessionaire. He was there for over 30 years. His customer service is legendary too.

Now we’ve got Hook’d. Years from now, will it be a nostalgic Friday Flashback — or just the answer to a trivia question?

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Roundup: Ireland, Lacrosse, Politico …

Posted on July 8, 2022 | 3 comments

“06880” readers know that Westport is a great place to live.

Now it’s official — at least, across the Atlantic.

Susan Garment spotted this sign the other day in Westport, Ireland. It says: “Tidy Towns National Winner.:

And below that: “Best Place to Live in Ireland.“

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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Westport sports fans know that the Staples High School boys lacrosse team’s rout of Darien in the state championship final was big.

But just how huge was it?

Inside Lacrosse just ranked the Wreckers’ win as the top performance in all of public high school lax this spring — in the entire country.

The site says:

A strong argument could be made that the Wreckers’ stunning 12-3 victory over Connecticut powerhouse Darien in the Class L state championship game was high school lacrosse’s biggest story in June. Scoring the game’s first eight goals to take a 9-1 lead into halftime, Will Koshansky’s squad played smart, methodical lacrosse en route to a commanding win over a Blue Wave squad that spent much of the season in the national Top 10.

This spring, the Wreckers picked up six victories over teams from the computer ratings Top 100, topping Massachusetts state champ St. John’s Prep, as well as Fairfield County foes Greenwich, Wilton, New Canaan, Ridgefield and Darien….

The 9-goal victory over Darien in the state championship stands above all of the Wreckers’ previous accomplishments this season, and now, Staples finishes as IL’s No. 1 public school program to end 2022…

AD

A young nucleus returns, so expect to hear even more about Westport’s finest going forward. (

(Click here for the full story. Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

Staples High School: boys lacrosse state champs — and now, #1 in the nation. (Photo/Chris Greer)

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Earlier this year, Steve Parrish brought Carlotta LaNier — one of the Little Rock 9, who desegregated Central High School in 1957 — to the Westport Library.

Now the consultant specializing in specializing in crisis management, corporate social responsibility, public affairs and communications — and frequent TV news show guest — has reached into his Rolodex, to plan another intriguing evening.

On July 19 (7 p.m.), he’ll chat with political journalist and Politico co-founder John Harris. Prior to creating one of the country’s most visited news sites, Harris was a national political reporter for the Washington Post.

Click here to register for a seat in the Trefz Forum. Click here for the livestream.

John Harris

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Kathie Motes Bennewitz — who serves as both Westport town arts curator and executive director of the Hopper House Museum and Study Center in Nyack, New York — joins Westporter Robin Frank in inviting “06880” readers to the Museum on July 19 (6 p.m.). Frank will give a presentation on “Framing Memory in American Art: Visions of Love and Loss.” The lecture is followed by  complimentary cocktails to toast the current exhibition Liliane Tomasko: Evening Wind.

Memory is the underlying theme of both Hopper’s isolated figures in interiors and Tomasko’s lyrical paintings of unmade beds. In addition to their works, I will discuss a diverse array of historic and contemporary objects—ranging from eighteenth-century mourning jewelry to a Covid-inspired video on view at the Whitney Biennial—that celebrate love and memorialize loss.

Click here for more details and tickets.

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Longtime Westporter, Red Cross volunteer, and one of Staples High School’s longest-lived graduates, Eloise Neyle Reilly died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family and caregiver, on July 1. She was 102 years old.

Born on March 22, 1920 in New York City, she was called “a remarkable, self-sufficient and independent woman, known for her positive outlook on life.”

Eloise moved to Westport in 1934, and graduated from Staples High School. One of the most important chapters in her life began during World War II. She joined the American Red Cross Club Mobile Unit, a service to provide comfort and support to combat troops on the front lines with coffee, donuts and conversation.

After the war ended, she spent 2 more years in Germany, supporting US troops. She often told stories of her remarkable friendships and experiences during her years with the Red Cross.

Eloise’s strength and independence continued beyond the war when she returned home to Westport. In the late 1940s and ’50s she built a career in New York City, culminated as a human resource director at the advertising firm Young and Rubicam.

Eloise designed and worked with a local contractor to construct the home that she lived in since 1957. She was an avid gardener, a lover of nature and a long time member of the Westport Garden Club.    

In the late 1960’s, she left the city and the commute to start a second successful career as a real estate agent, with Helen Benson Real Estate.

One of her passions and strengths was maintaining great friendships in her community, and staying connected with lifelong friends and family across the country. A result of this passion came in the early 1970’s, when she began the first of many annual Red Cross Club Mobile reunions at her home here.

The tradition gained momentum and continued through the early 2000’s.   Reunions were held at the homes of Red Cross members and friends across the US and Europe.

Eloise is survived by her nephews, Kevin (Leslie Carrere) Reilly of Newfield, New York; William (Laura Gotfried) Reilly of Enfield, New York and Peter (Mary Picard) Reilly of Rye, New Hampshire; grand-nieces and nephews Colin, Marissa Mia, Megan and Conor Reilly, and great-grand-niece Kendall Reilly.  Her brother, Donald Reilly, recently predeceased her.

The family gives special thanks to Mary Krewsen, her personal caregiver, for her loving care, and the staff of Visiting Angels of Fairfield for their support.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her honor can be made to The American Red Cross.

Family and friends are invited a visitation on Wednesday, July 13th (9:30 a.m., Christ & Holy Trinity church. Funeral services will follow at 10 in the church sanctuary.  Interment will follow at the Christ and Holy Trinity Cemetery.  Click here to sign the online guestbook.

Eloise Reilly

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Crabs are not the most elegant looking creatures.

But they — like this one, today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — have been at Compo Beach and environs longer than we have.

A lot longer.

(Photo/Jeanine Esposito)

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And finally … happy 52nd birthday to Beck. The one-named singer/songwriter/ producer turns 52 today.

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Posted in Library, Obituaries, Politics, Sports, Staples HS

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Read All About It! The Library Book Sales

Posted on July 8, 2022 | 6 comments

For over a decade, the Westport Library’s Summer Book Sale was a hot event.

For a few days, thousands of book, magazine, CD and vinyl lovers thronged an enormous tent on Jesup Green. Paying prices that decreased each day, they emerged with armfuls, boxfuls and (it seemed) semi-trailerfuls of stuff.

Early bird collectors — who resold what they bought at profits — jostled with readers of all ages: parents with young kids, teenagers, older folks who probably had 15,000 books already.

It was a great Library fundraiser.

The Westport Library book sale. (Photo/Dan Woog)

It also took a ton of work. Armies of volunteers were needed to set up the (expensive) tent, monitor the flow and collect the cash.

And the “hot” event was literally that. Everyone sweltered. (Jesup Green didn’t look so hot itself, once the tent was dismantled.)

COVID put an end to the Summer Book sale. It has not returned.

But used books are as hot as ever. And the Library has adapted in several ways.

Westport Book Shop — across Jesup Green from the Library — has established itself as a premier spot for used books. Open every day except Monday, it’s a lot less hectic (and cooler in summer) than the tent. Its mission to employ people with disabilities adds to its importance. 

The Westport Book Shop.

The Book Shop sells online now, and through eBay. (That adds a new element: shipping. Books are stored, and prepared for shipping, offsite near the Cottage restaurant.)

There are still “book sales.” They’re twice a year, in spring and fall — inside the Library. The next one is November 11-14.

Westport Library book sale.

Volunteers are still vital. And no one has worked harder, or longer, for the Library’s book sales than Mimi Greenlee.

For over 20 years, she’s helped them grow and evolve. Her current role is managing inventory for the store and the sales. She works inside a trailer outside the building, in the upper parking lot.

The Westport Library book sale donation trailer.

It’s quite an operation.

Donors bring piles of books. (Including dumping them outside when the doors are closed, which shouldn’t be done.)

Some people haul in hundreds of volumes.

Volunteers sort the donations into 60 categories. There are big ones (Fiction, Mysteries, History) and smaller (Military, Judaica).

Managers decide the most appropriate place for each: the store, or the sales. They price each volume too, using online tools.

Mimi Greenlee, surrounded by donations.

Not every donation is acceptable.

“People can’t throw away their own books,” Mimi says. “Unfortunately, some of them are moldy, from years in the garage or basement.”

Other books have broken spines or binding.

“Some people just don’t look at what they’re donating,” Mimi adds. “It happens a lot when they’re cleaning out a parent’s house, or moving quickly.”

The recycling bin comes in handy for those.

Even donations in good condition are not always acceptable. “We don’t take encyclopedias. Nobody wants them anymore,” Mimi explains.

Also unneeded: Magazines (“unless they’re very valuable”), VHS tapes, audio cassettes, and “outdated computer manuals.” Few textbooks make the grade.

Mimi wishes potential donors would ask: “Would I give this book to my grandmother?”

Because grandmothers — and grandfathers, moms, dads, kids, and everyone else in the area who can read — want used books.

But not the ones they’ve just thrown away.

(Volunteers are always needed — for sorting and other help, and at the book sales themselves. Email Mimi Greenlee for details: grmimi@aol.com)

(Like the Westport Library, “06880” relies on donations. Please click here to support this blog.)

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Posted in Downtown, Library, Local business

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Pic Of The Day #1907

Posted on July 7, 2022 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #1907

Sailboats on the Sound (Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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Roundup: Pickleball, Trampolines, Duck Race …

Posted on July 7, 2022 | 5 comments

The agenda for next Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (July 11, 7 p.m., Zoom) includes important discussions, such as converting the current Westport Rehabilitation Complex on Post Road West into a more modern eldercare facility, and redeveloping the 117-room Westport Inn into a smaller hotel with a restaurant, bar, event space, fitness center, pool and site improvements.

The existing Westport Inn (left), and the proposed new structure.

Two other interesting items are up for discussion too.

Birchwood Country Club wants to construct 4 pickleball courts, near their existing tennis courts. They’d fill a need — at least, for members of the private club — but they’re close to a few homes.

The ball will be in P&Z’s court.

The other intriguing item involves trampolines: Should they be regulated by zoning? And if so, how?

Most trampolines are above ground. But what about permanent, in-ground trampolines? A resident has asked for an interpretation.

Click here for the full P&Z agenda, including a Zoom link.

In-ground trampoliine.

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Westport Sunrise Rotary’s Great Duck Race returns this Saturday (July 9). There’s a new location — Jesup Green — but the same family fun.

The day begins with a 10 a.m. Fun Fair in the Westport Library parking lot. Activities include a Nerdy Derby, face painting and bubble machines.

At 1 p.m. on Jesup Green, 3,000 plastic ducks will slide down a 160-foot sluice course. Each wears a number, matching a $20 raffle ticket. The first 10 ducks down the course win money for their ticket holders. First place is $5,000. Second place wins $1,000. The next 8 finishers get $500 each.

The event is a major Sunrise Rotary fundraiser. Proceeds support charitable endeavors in this area, the state and around the world.

Click here for tickets. Click below for a sneak quack peek.

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The Great Duck Race is not the only water-related activity this weekend.

Sunday marks the 43rd annual Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Point-to-Point Compo Beach Swim. The mile-long event includes competitors from across New England and the tri-state region.

All proceeds go to the Y’s aquatics programs to improve aquatics safety in the community, including swim lessons for all ages.

There are 4 heats, based on ability. Advanced swimmers start at 8 a.m., followed by intermediate swimmers (8:05), beginners (8:10) and myTeamTriumph (8:15).

That last group is special. My Team Triumph is a national non-profit serving children, teens adults and veterans with disabilities who could otherwise not experience endurance events like open water swims, road races, or triathlons.

“Captains” (special needs athletes) are paired with able-bodied “angel” volunteers, who use specialized racing equipment such as rafts to pull their captains during the race. Special needs athletes who would like to participate must register in advance with My Team Triumph.

Eegistration can be done online at westporty.org/43rd and is $50. Walk-registrations costs $60, starting at 7 a.m. The top 3 men’s and women’s finishers win awards. Swimmers get Point-to-Point swim caps and t-shirts.

The start of the Point-to-Point swim.

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No small potatoes: 19 teenagers and 9 adults just returned from Saugatuck Congregational Church’s High School Youth Group mission trip to Maine,

They stayed in Old Orchard Beach, and worked on a Growing to Give farm in Brunswick. The organization raises organic vegetables using climate-friendly methods, and donates them to food banks and pantries.

The youth group also cleared trails for the Saco Land Trust.

Saugatuck Church youth group, in Maine.

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Whatever’s old is new again.

Back in the day, movies like “Casablanca” drew large audiences to drive-in theaters across America.

Most drive-ins are long gone. But Westport has one: The Remarkable Theater, in the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

Last night’s screening was (of course) “Casablanca.” Here’s a classic photo, of a classic scene:

(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

Next up: “Caddyshack,” on Monday. Click here for tickets, and the full schedule.

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Westport Lifestyle Magazine’s July issue is out. Among the highlights: a deep dive into the Westport Library’s Verso studios. Click here to learn more about the professional-quality production facilities right under our noses (and open to the public).

One of the Verso studios. (Photo/Brendan Toller for Westport Lifestyle Magazine)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is this visitor to Franco Fellah’s garden. Judging by its looks, I wonder if there is anything left for Franco to eat.

(Photo/Franco Fellah)

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And finally … on this date in 1928, sliced bread was sold for the first time (on the inventor’s 48th birthday) by the Chillicothe Baking Company of  Missouri.

There is no record of when the phrase “the greatest thing since sliced bread!” was coined.

(“06880” may not be the greatest thing since sliced bread. But we do rely “greatly” — okay, entirely — on reader support. Please click here to help.)

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Local politics, Real estate, religion, Sports, Teenagers, YMCA

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John Nealon Feeds His Cugines

Posted on July 7, 2022 | 2 comments

John Nealon arrived at Staples High School in 1999 straight from Texas. It was a culture shock. But he played football, and his teammates soon became friends.

He also loved cooking. He took every culinary class offered. Teacher/chef Cecily Gans became a mentor.

John Nealon, in the ’02 Staples yearbook.

Staples football defensive coordinator Lou Socci asked Nealon to cook at his family’s restaurant in New Canaan. That led to steady work — and the perk of creating his own lunches.

“I’d make wraps with mozzarella, bacon, everything,” he recalls. “I said, I want to do this for a living.”

At Providence College, he continued cooking. He learned about the front of the house too, when he moved from an $8-an-hour line cook to waiting tables at Sicilia’s. With tips, he made $300 a night.

After graduating as a history major, Nealon headed straight to restaurant work  After director of operations with a Dallas delivery startup (“a really bad concept,” he laughs), he served as the 23-year-old general manager of Westport’s River Horse Tavern (now Rive Bistro).

To learn about fine dining, Nealon moved to L’Escale in Greenwich. He enrolled in Barcelona/Bartaco’s management program, and ran several of their restaurants for 5 years. Then came Fontina.

He and his wife Morgan — also a restaurant professional — decided to go out on their own. They opened Taco Daddy in Stamford, a “fun, no rules” place with “a rippin’ bar.” Their second venture, Lila Rose, was named after their first child.

Morgan and John Nealon.

Mid-COVID, Nealon and his wife came up with their next concept: elevated Italian cuisine.

“Italian dining has gotten very casual,” he says. “That’s fine. But I think there’s a need for contemporary fine food.” And martinis.

Cugine’s offers great food …

Cugine’s — Italian for “cousin,” but also a term of endearment — opened last month at 121 Towne Street, in Stamford’s Harbor Point neighborhood. It quickly drew raves.

… and an extensive coocktail list …

Nealon hopes to take guests back to “the era of Frank Sinatra and speakeasys.” There is no signage; a man wearing suspenders walks diners in. Nealon seats them. Each table has its own lamp; vintage chandeliers hang overhead.

Despite the labor shortage in restaurants, Nealon had no trouble assembling a staff. Most waiters and bartenders had worked for him before.

… in a “speakeasy” atmosphere.

And the chef? Rick O’Connor (“he’s half Italian!” Nealon notes) is young and talented. “He doesn’t have an ego yet,” the owner says. “Just wait till people tell him how good his food is.”

(Cugine’s Instagram is @CuginesItalian. Click here for more information.)

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