Category Archives: Downtown

Some are gone because of neglect. Others outlived their usefulness. Still more were torn down because they were in the way of something newer, different or “better.”

For years, a handsome building stood at 50 Jesup Road. It was once a private residence. Later, it became the Open Door Inn:

(Photo courtesy of Paul Ehrismann)

It was demolished in the 1950s. The town had outgrown its police headquarters — in the basement of what was then Town Hall. Today the building houses 2 restaurants: Jesup Hall and, below, Rothbard Ale + Larder.

If you close your eyes, you can almost imagine the cops who worked there — and prisoners in the lockup, staring through bars at the alley outside.

6 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Friday Flashback, Restaurants

Tagged Open Door Inn, Rothbard Ale + Larder, Westport Police headquarters

Unsung Hero #31

Posted on January 17, 2018 | 4 comments

Mitchell Lester has worn glasses for 58 years.

For several months, he knew it was time to get his eyes re-checked. (Not being able to see anything was a clue.)

The day before New Year’s Eve, his (very old) glasses slid off his face, onto the floor.

Mitchell called Specs. Owner Chris Cannella was all set to close his Post Road East shop for the day. But he said “come on over”; he’d see what he could do.

Specs is on Post Road East, a few doors down from Patagonia.

No surprise: The frames needed soldering. They’d have to be sent out. By the time they were ready Mitchell would be away, enjoying a tropical vacation. (If he could see what he was doing.)

Oh well.

But the next morning — Sunday, December 31 — Mitchell’s phone rang. Chris called — Mitchell thinks he tracked him down through that long-ago purchase — and said, “Come on down.”

Chris thought he had frames he could fit the still-usable lenses into. Mitchell headed over.

But the frames were too big for the lenses.

So Chris found some smaller frames. He spent an hour cutting the lenses down to size. Then he told Mitchell to keep them until he got his eyes re-checked.

Mitchell Lester’s new specs.

At that point, Chris will pick out new frames.

At Specs, of course.

(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email dwoog@optonline.net)

4 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local business, Unsung Heroes

Tagged Chris Cannella, Mitchell Lester, Specs of Westport

Pic Of The Day #271

Posted on January 13, 2018 | 2 comments

Ice along the Saugatuck River (Photo/Larry Untermeyer)

2 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Pic of the Day, Weather

Tagged Saugatuck River

Pic Of The Day #269

Posted on January 11, 2018 | 5 comments

36 Elm Street was demolished yesterday. The building — most recently Villa del Sol — housed many previous businesses, including for a number of years Werner’s restaurant. It’s owned by David Waldman, who will build a retail/residential complex across the street behind Lux Bond & Green, in exchange for expanded parking next to Bedford Square. (Photo/Jen Berniker)

5 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local business, Pic of the Day, Real estate, Restaurants

Tagged 36 Elm Street, Bedford Square, David Waldman, Villa del Sol

Any ‘Port In A Storm

Posted on January 4, 2018 | 3 comments

The forecast says snow for the next few hours.

But — fingers crossed! — there are only flurries right now. And the winds have brought only very scattered power outages. (Five customers were out at 9 a.m.; they were restored by 9:30.)

So The ‘Port — the warm, welcoming casual restaurant in National Hall, just across the river from downtown — has put out the word: They’re open all day.

“Soup is on,” say owners Sal and Melissa Augeri. “There’s complimentary hot cocoa for anyone who joins us today.”

And, they add: “PJs are welcome!”

3 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Restaurants, Weather

Tagged bomb cyclone, The 'Port

“Supper & Soul” Offers Food, Drink & Music

Posted on January 4, 2018 | 6 comments

A dog festival. Slice of Saugatuck. Tuesdays @ the Train.

You can’t say the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce just sits around exchanging business cards.

Now the organization — which takes its mandate to promote local businesses very broadly — announces its latest let’s-all-get-out-and-have-a-good-time idea.

“Supper & Soul” ties together a few of Westport’s favorite activities: eating out, concert going and drinking.

One ticket is good for a 3-course meal at one of 5 downtown restaurants; a concert at nearby Seabury Center, and a stop back at any of those same restaurants for happy hour-priced drinks. It’s all sponsored (appropriately enough) by lifestyle guru Mar Jennings.

“Supper & Soul” comes at a perfect time: the mid-winter doldrums. The first is set for Saturday evening, January 27.

Dana Fuchs

The 5 restaurants are Amis, Boca, Rothbard Ale + Larder, Spotted Horse and Tavern on Main.

Featured entertainer Dana Fuchs heads out soon on a European tour. But first she’ll prowl the Seabury stage, pouring her heart into the microphone like Janis Joplin (or, I’m told, Robert Plant). Many Westporters know her from the Fairfield Theater Company.

Dinner begins at 6 p.m. The concert is at 8. Tickets can be bought online (click here); meal reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis through the chamber.

Chamber executive director Matthew Mandell calls the idea “date night in a bottle. Or just a chance to hang with friends.”

I call the idea very, very cool.

6 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Entertainment, Organizations, People, Restaurants

Tagged "Supper & Soul", Dana Fuchs, Matthew Mandell, Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce