Category Archives: Restaurants

Roundup: Water Testing, Public Dock, Volunteer Fair …

Posted on October 5, 2026 | 3 comments

This morning, “06880” posted a story about Kevin Nealon’s appearance at this Friday’s “Stand Up For Homes with Hope” benefit at Fairfield University. The event is now sold out.

Great news for the non-profit that addresses homelessness and food insecurity. Bad news for the comedian’s many fans who missed out on tickets!

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Most Westporters seldom think about our water.

We turn on the tap. We drink it. We cook with it. We shower in it.

Ignacy Nieweglowski think about our water, though.

He’s not a hydrologist. He doesn’t work for Aquarion, or the town.

He’s a senior at Staples High School. He and classmate Sahil Vora co-founded the Health Tech Initiative. The entirely student-run public research organization tracks the state of lead contamination in Connecticut. Recently, they won a President’s Environmental Youth Award.

This Saturday (October 10, 9 a.m. to noon), the group will host a free Water Drive. It’s in the main lobby of Staples High.

Residents can bring water samples from their homes. Ignacy, Sahil and their club will screen it — free — for lead and heavy metals.

The results come back in just 3 minutes. They are then added to the Health Tech Initiative Lead Watch database.

For the most accurate results, do not run any water in the house for 8 hours (usually that’s overnight). Then collect a sample, after that stagnation period.

Along with the testing, the Health Tech Initiative will raffle off an automatic flushing system on behalf of their partner, Noah Systems. It automatically clears lead from home pipes.

Any money raised or donated will help fund the group’s project: testing every Westport public school and many public facilities for lead.

Sahil Vora and Ignacy Nieweglowski, with the Presidential awards.

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Speaking of water: Westport’s first public dock is almost ready to open.

The wooden structure extends from Arezzo restaurant’s patio into the Saugatuck River, just south of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

There’s still plenty of great fall weather left. And next spring, this will really be exciting.

(Photo/Ken Warren)

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Looking for an organization to get involved with? A group to volunteer for? More information on Westport’s non-profits?

Teens and adults are invited to the town’s annual Volunteer Fair. It’s this Saturday (October 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Library).

It’s a great chance to connect, learn, and find an opportunity that matches your interests, skills and schedule.

Something for everyone, at last year’s Volunteer Fair.

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A reminder: The first event in “06880”‘s newest venture — community celebrations of local businesses — is set for this Saturday.

And everyone is invited.

On October 10 (5 to 7 p.m), “06880” and Kiin Sauna host “Community, Connection and Contrast.” KiiN is at 1555 Post Road East, next to Sherpa, Longevity, Zion and CT Sports Recovery — all wellness businesses too.

You’ll see friends and neighbors. Enjoy complimentary beverages. Meet KiiN founder Ginger Richardson, who will tell you all about the benefits of a sauna and cold plunge.

Ginger Richardson

If you feel adventurous, you can try a sauna and cold plunge yourself. (Sauna and plunge space is limited; click here to sign up.)

Ginger and her crew are great hosts. It’s a fun way to learn about a new spot in town.

Dave Briggs and I will host more events soon, all over town. We look forward to this new series. If your business would like to collaborate with us, email us: 06880blog@gmail.com.

Kiin Sauna

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Chili time is near.

A highlight is always the VFW’s Chili Cook-off.

This year’s event — the 4th annual fundraiser, supporting Westport’s first responders and veteran community — is Saturday, October 17 (6 to 8 p.m. VFW Post 399).

Greg Gunter of the Westport Police Department is the defending 3-time champion. Can he make it 4 straight?

Attendees vote for their favorite, among a wide variety of homemade recipes. There’s plenty of other great food, a 50/50 raffle, and a healthy heaping of community spirit.

Tickets are $25, at the VFW in advance or at the door. Proceeds benefit the VFW, Fire Department, Police Department and Volunteer Emergency Medical Services.

Questions? Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, or call 203-227-6796.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Here in District 4, it’s been a low-key race for US Congress.

On October 19 (7 p.m., Westport Library), the Lower Fairfield County Leagues of Women hosts a debate. The 3 candidates — Democratic incumbent Jim Himes, Republican Michael Ted Goldstein and Independent Benjamin Wesley — will participate.

Click here to register. To access the livestream, click here.  To submit questions, email  LWVCongress4Debate@gmail.com.

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Paula Morgan is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor for October.

She works primarily in oils, exploring the quiet moments and enduring light of coastal New England.

Paula has been a visual arts educator for over 2 decades. She is a member of The Artists Collective of Westport, and her work is exhibited in galleries throughout New England.

A reception is set for this Thursday (October 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Paula’s work will be on display all month, and available for purchase.

Paula Morgan, with her work.

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Lots of stuff floated downstream, in 2 recent weather events.

Susie Kowalsky spotted this near Grace Salmon Park: a very handsome, largely undamaged chair.

(Photo/Susie Kowalsky)

She wonders if it belongs to Casa Me.

She left it under a tree at the park.

No report on whether it’s still there.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo is not from the jungle.

Jamie Walsh and his wife Grayson Braun spotted this bobcat 10 feet from the Riverside Avenue sidewalk, in brush next to Birchwood Country Club.

They watched for a few minutes, before it retreated slowly into the woods.

Be careful out there!

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

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And finally … in honor of both the new dock at Arezzo, and the chair that made its way downstream to Grace Salmon Park (stories above):

(Want to do something nice, and easy? Click here, to support “06880” — your hyper-local blog. Thanks for rollin’ with us!)

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Posted in Downtown, Environment, Local business, Politics, Restaurants, Staples HS

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Restaurant Week: A Feast For Foodies

Posted on October 4, 2026 | 1 comment

Just a decade ago, Fairfield’s restaurants were eating Westport’s lunch.

Our neighbor to the east still has a great, diverse dining scene.

But diners far and wide are eating ours up, too.

In fact, there are way too many Westport restaurants to cram into one week.

So the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Restaurant Week will be two.

It begins today (Sunday, October 4), and runs through Sunday, October 18.

Tutti’s owners Pasquale and Maria Funicello — and their family — are proud partners in Restaurant Week.

The 2026 event features 21 venues, offering a variety of prix fixe meals to suit any interest and pocketbook. They range from one end of Westport, and Saugatuck, all the way to an honorary spot in Southport.

Some spots offer just lunch, others just dinner. Most serve both. Each sets its own prix fixe.

Restaurants range from old favorites like Rizzuto’s, Tutti’s and Viva Zapata, to those that opened since last year like Felice, Frank Pepe’s and Yuzu.  Bon appétit!

Participating this year:

  • Boathouse
  • Dandelion
  • Blu Olive
  • Felice
  • Finalmente
  • Frank Pepe’s
  • Gray Goose
  • Kawa Ni
  • La Plage
  • Little Pub @ Dunville’s
  • Rive Bistro
  • Rizzuto’s
  • Romanacci
  • Spotted Horse Tavern
  • Tarantino
  • The Bridge at Saugatuck
  • Tutti’s
  • Viva Zapata
  • Yuzu Sushi
  • Walrus Alley
  • Zucca Gastropub.

Click here for the meals each one offers. 

Want an example?

Sunday through Friday, Felice’s 3-course dinner menu ($40) offers includes a choice of starters (passata di verdure, bruschetta, ricotta), followed by entrées like tonnarelli cacio e pepe, fusilli al ferretto and chicken Milanese. For dessert: tiramisu and tortino al Ccoccolato.

The weekday 2-course lunch menu ($25) options are spaghetti all’arrabbiata, fusilli al pesto, baked eggplant parmigiana and paillard di pollo.

Bon appétit! Mangia! Dig in!

(“06880” reports often on Westport’s dining scene. If you eat up stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

La Plage recently reopened, with killer water views.

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Pics Of The Day

Posted on September 27, 2026 | Leave a comment

Closing the book on the nor’easter of 2026:

Laddie Lawrence Track, at Staples High School (Photo/Jeff Mitchell)

You could actually dive, at the dive bar (Photo/Spencer Cammeyer)

Compo Beach, near Schlaet’s Point (Photo/Michael Szeto)

Compo Beach neighborhood (Photo/Michael Szeto)

Winslow Park (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day, Restaurants, Staples HS, Weather

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Longshore Inn Renovation Complete: Worth The Wait!

Posted on September 21, 2026 | 5 comments

For decades, the Inn at Longshore was a highly sought after wedding venue.

The ballroom, the lawn out back reaching to the Sound, the chance for the bridal party to stay in a charming New England inn — it was all there.

The Inn was also a popular choice for corporate events, fundraising galas, family celebrations — an all-purpose property.

Yet there was always something a bit off.

You couldn’t quite put your finger on it. But now that the Inn at Longshore has reopened — following a year-long renovation — you can see that relatively small changes are a very big deal.

Newly renovated Inn at K

The waterfront location is a major draw. But standing inside the ballroom before, you wouldn’t know it was there.

A stage — with curtains behind it — blocked it.

Now the stage is off to the side. Walking into the ballroom, the first thing you see is a view all the way out to the water.

Designers even moved a beam near the entrance ramp (now steps). Most people won’t notice that difference. But it is dramatic.

The stage is gone. Now the view is all the way through, to the back. The ballroom holds 400 people for receptions, 300 for banquets. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Out in back, a broad new deck (with portable bars) invites attendees to flow between indoors and out. It’s a common amenity at country clubs — but missing from the Inn at Longshore for forever.

Weddings now take place on the lawn directly behind — not off to the side, near the tennis courts. The bride walks out from the ballroom, across the deck and down a few steps, making a dramatic entrance.

The splendor of an outdoor wedding.

The first wedding at the new Inn was held September 11. In the middle of my tour with Michael Ryan, managing partner of Longshore Hospitality group — the Delamar-affiliated group that has a 30-year lease with the town of Westport — the grateful mother of that bride stopped by with gifts for the staff. The wedding, she said, was “a dream” — even beyond her expectations.

Another wedding was held on Sunday, September 13. That morning, 7 inches of rain devastated Westport. The wedding was delayed by an hour, to 3 p.m. But it was held outside

The ballroom, deck and lawn (plus improved landscaping) are the most visible changes. (And some things have changed only slightly. The façade retains its traditional look. the porte-cochère was scaled back from its original size, and the stately tree at the entrance is still there.)

Rear view of The Inn at Longshore (center). Longshore Sailing School is on the right. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

But guests who stay on the Inn’s 2nd and 3rd floors will notice many differences too. (On weekends, they’re usually wedding parties. Weekday guests include business executives, travelers — and former Westporters, who want to relive the Inn experience when they return to their home town.)

The 11 rooms and 3 suites have been completely redesigned. Each is unique; all match include modern amenities, but with an old-time inn feel. Every 3rd floor room is dormered.

Room numbers were hand painted. And guests don’t have swipe cards — they’re given actual brass keys.

The Compo Suite

The “Lewis Suite” includes framed photos from the Inn’s long-ago start, as Frederick E. Lewis’ private mansion.

The bride’s suite — used by her party on the day of the wedding — was specially decorated by Serena & Lily.

The third floor honeymoon suite is named for Jay Gatsby. It has a particularly striking view — appropriate, because when F. Scott Fitzgerald rented a home on Compo Road South, it is believed his vista of the Lewis estate all the way to the Sound inspired some of his images in “The Great Gatsby.”

Sunlight glittering off the water fills every room facing the Sound. (The bathroom in one offers a particularly killer view.)

Room with a view. (All photos/Longshore Hospitality Group, unless otherwise noted) 

All new state-of-the-art mechanicals ensure smooth operation.

All told, Longshore Hospitality spent $8 million more in capital improvements than they had committed to the town.

The Inn at Longshore is almost completely booked for weddings, through 2027. Bookings for 2028 will begin in November.

La Plage was closed during the renovation. Diners may not see many changes. But the kitchen is completely revamped, easing food prep for both the restaurant and ballroom catering.

Few towns own an inn and restaurant — let alone an entire country club.

For more than 60 years — ever since the town of Westport bought Longshore (paying $1.9 million, for the entire 169 acres) — officials have tried to make the Inn even more special than it is.

Finally, they’ve done it.

Enjoy a fundraiser in the new ballroom. Stay in a very cool room. Have a meal at La Plage.

And — starting soon  — book your 2028 wedding there.

(To learn more about the Inn at Longshore, click here.)

(“06880” regularly covers Longshore, town restaurants, local businesses — and, like today, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Longshore, Restaurants

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What Do You Love About Westport?

Posted on September 17, 2026 | 10 comments

Cub Scout leader James Delorey writes:

At this year’s Soundview Stroll, Westport Cub Scout Pack 39 asked strollers: “What do you love about Westport?”

If a stroller took a moment to talk with a Cub Scout or Scouter, we asked them to help us discover the places that make Westport special.

We brought them over to a huge map, from the town’s Engineering Department. It includes every road, street, property lot, park, school and geographic feature in town.

Offering 6 different colored markers, we asked people to share: Green for your favorite place to explore nature. Blue for your favorite place to play. Yellow for your favorite place to eat. Purple for a favorite place to walk, bike, or hike. Orange for a place to have fun with your friends. And draw a red heart over “a place that makes you proud of Westport.”

Cub Scouts and strollers at the Soundview Stroll, with their map.

Soundview Strollers of all ages took a moment to orient themselves on the map. In this age of Waze and GPS navigation, we learned that there are many young Westporters who have never looked at a paper map of their town.

Then there were directionally gifted people who thrilled at their fluency with maps, and the chance to help the lost find their way to their favorite places.

Our map came alive with color – dots and red hearts. Runners and bicyclists drew long purple lines for their regular routes. Students drew hearts over their pre-schools and elementary schools, and orange and blue dots over the playgrounds where they play and have fun with their friends.

The Cub Scout map.

Dots for “favorite place” to eat were hungrily drawn for Old Mill Grocery, Bartaco, Casa Me and the Black Duck (one of the most fun spots to find on the map – tracing the Saugatuck River until you’re just under “Interstate 95”).

Longshore, Old Mill Beach (with dots and hearts going all the way out to the sandbar!), Sherwood Island State Park and Burying Hill Beach – Westporters love to get outside.

Intrepid explorers put green dots on the Caryl & Edna Haskins Preserve and the Children’s Natural Playground at Schine Preserve – a couple of Westport’s hidden gems (great places to explore nature).

On our map, Compo Beach is chaotic with color. Multiple blue dots – favorite place to play – were turned into a smiley face by one clever contributor. Red hearts are all over the place (“A place that makes you proud of Westport”).

The Westport Rotary Club’s lobster — aka Rick Benson — chose Compo Beach as his favorite spot, presumably for LobsterFest. The annual event — a favorite of many residents — takes place Saturday.

Our Soundview Stroll map station was really a bit of intelligence gathering. What lights up people’s faces?

Kids love thinking about the places they play, explore nature, and have fun with their friends. Parents loved seeing the places their kids chose, and how they talked about them. The whole exercise was really about starting a conversation.

And we were listening!

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Tomorrow (Friday, September 18) is “Scouting Day in Westport.” Cub Scouts Pack 39 invites all boys and girls from kindergarten to 5th grade (along with parents and siblings) to join us at Compo’s South Beach (the far end), starting at 5 p.m.

Meet new friends, make s’mores, enjoy a campfire, hunt for crabs.

And, if we’re lucky take in a well-earned sunset!

We’ll try to answer any questions you have about Scouting in Westport. But we want to hear about what you’ve discovered too.

Cub Scout Pack 39 makes s’mores at Compo, last year.

We’ll have our giant town map and our markers. Let’s share what we love about Westport, and the wider world.

Cub Scouts explore nature, play, eat, walk, bike, hike, and have fun with friends. We hope you’ll join us.

(Westport Cub Scout Pack 39 is celebrating its 75th year of Scouting. We welcome all boys and girls, kindergarten through 5th grade. To learn more, click here.

(“06880” regularly covers youth activities in Westport — and all the places mentioned here. If you share our love for this town — and this blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Children, Environment, Longshore, Restaurants, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #3536

Posted on September 15, 2026 | 2 comments

Al fresco at Rive Bistro (Photo/Oona Robinson)

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Friday Flashback #519

Posted on September 4, 2026 | 18 comments

As Westport’s dining scene explodes, we enjoy more options than ever.

Of course, prices are rising too.

Comparisons with days past is a bit like apples and oranges (though they were not on the menu). Much has changed since the time when appetizers at one of Westport’s favorite dining spots included a half grapefruit, tomato juice and chopped chicken livers, steaks were $3.50, and a side salad set you back a whopping 25 cents.

Still, it’s fun to see not only what we paid, but also what we could choose from. This menu below is from Manero’s, the long-lived, much loved Saugatuck ancestor of what is now Rizzuto’s.

The date is uncertain. But the “CA” phone number offers a clue. CApital 7 became 227 in the mid 1960s.

Click on or hover over to enlarge.

Here are the drinks. A bottle of beer was 50 cents. Nothing cost more than $1, except wine.

(Menus courtesy of Seth Van Beever)

Speaking of Saugatuck restaurants: A bit later, across Riverside Avenue and a few yards south, De Rosa’s had great run.

It was razed to make way for what is now Momu and Sea Kayak Connecticut.

We don’t have their menu. But prices were higher than Manero’s.

And lower than Rizzuto’s. And The Whelk.

(Photo/Rose Colletti)

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Friday Flashback, Restaurants, Saugatuck

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AI Is Everywhere! Duck!

Posted on August 30, 2026 | 11 comments

The Black Duck is a Westport legend.

Between its sloping floor, river view, frequently flooded parking lot and basic but down home menu, “the Duck” never pretended to be anything other than what it was: Westport’s favorite (okay, only) dive bar.

(Don’t believe us? It was immortalized on the “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” TV show.)

One view of the Black Duck … (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

For decades, the former barge — which always seems ready to sink, yet somehow remains afloat — never changed.

… and another. (Photo/John Videler for VidelerPhotography)

But the age of AI is here.

And it’s everywhere. Including the Duck.

Last weekend, longtime Westporter Scott Smith, his son Cole Prowitt-Smith and Cole’s girlfriend headed to Saugatuck.

She’s from out of town. Cole wanted to show her a genuine Westport landmark.

They sat outside, on the covered deck. As Scott enjoyed the classic view of the Saugatuck River under the I-95 bridge — with action at the boat ramp across the water, and listening to trains rumbling past — Cole showed him the menu.

It was a new design. Scott says, “perhaps I wouldn’t have picked up on it. But since Cole is a Gen Zer working in New York, and very much involved with AI, he pointed out some glaring absurdities with the photos on the cover.”

Black Duck menu. (Photo/Scott Smith)

As he looked closely, Scott saw that every image was “a horrid example of the AI-enshittification of our commerce and culture.”

The small second floor had been transformed into something grand. Ditto the bar.

The outdoor deck had umbrellas, like Longshore.

The sun was setting — to the north! — across what looked like a wide bay.

And, Scott wondered, What happened to I-95?!

The sun sets to the north, across an impossibly wide Saugatuck River. And why, Scott asks, is one couple sitting oddly behind the backs of others?

“The Black Duck has its own beauty and history, right down to the slanted floorboards,” Scott says. “How anyone could sign off on this faux design is beyond me.

“Truth in advertising may no longer be a thing. But how do you square this AI-feverish depiction when you’re sitting in the real Duck?

“You have to laugh. But it’s not really funny.”

(“06880” regularly covers Westport’s restaurant scene — in all its forms. If you enjoy this, or any other features on “06880,” please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Restaurants, Saugatuck, technology

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Roundup: Ukraine Officials Visit, Bill Taibe Honored, Autos Assessed …

Posted on August 29, 2026 | 15 comments

Beginning with Westport’s connection with our sister city of Lyman, our town has followed Ukraine’s war against its Russian invaders closely.

On September 11 (7 a.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church), the Westport Sunrise Rotary hosts a rare public presentation by 3 senior Ukrainian leaders, responsible for governing communities on the front lines of the full-scale fighting.

Marshall Mayer — the Westport native who co-founded Ukraine Aid International, the non-profit that delivers direct aid, and facilitated both the Westport-Lyman sister city relationship, and the sister state partnership between Connecticut and Donetsk — will join the officials. UAI brought this delegation — which includes the Donetsk oblast governor – to the US.

“Most Americans experience this war through headlines,” Mayer says.

“This is a rare opportunity to meet the people making the important decisions, to hear firsthand what is happening on the ground. and better understand what is at stake for Ukraine and the world.”

Seating is limited. For more information, email info@westportsunriserotary.org. The meeting will also be livestreamed. Click here for the link.

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Bill Taibe is back in the news.

Yesterday we announced the opening of his new restaurant, hi’Amba.

Today we report that he’ll be honored at the Norwalk Art Space’s 5th anniversary bash.

Through his support of the café in the dynamic East Avenue space, the Westport-based restaurateur and chef has helped its mission of providing free art and music education to under-served students, and exhibition opportunities for under-represented artists.

The Art Space Café is a favorite of gallery visitors, artists and students. It offers an “all-day breakfast” and lunch menu with daily specials, house-made pastries and a full coffee bar. it also highlights local culinary artisans and their products.

In addition, Taibe is launching a food program for Norwalk Art Space students call “Fueling Creativity.” In collaboration with the Westport Farmers’ Market, the café will provide after-school meals once a week for Norwalk Art Space students, many of whom face food insecurities.

Arts Bash 2026 will include music, cocktails, and gourmet bites, exhibits and a live auction. For more information and tickets, click here.

Bill Taibe and his Norwalk Art Space Café staff.

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Talk about a long prep time!

Last December, “06880” announced the arrival of SoHo Pizza. The sign boasted, “Made in New York City.”

A day earlier, we noted that Frank Pepe’s Pizza — the historic New Haven restaurant — was headed to Post Road West.

Pepe’s opened June 1. They’ve been here nearly 4 months, and are thriving.

SoHo?

Crickets.

A reader writes: “It’s taking a really long time for this crew to make a slice. In the meantime, the boarded-up building is an eyesore.

“Not to mention they tore down the iconic Texaco sign.”

Yep — they did that in May.

Not to mention, they’ve had months to fix the misspelling on their sign, and never did:

But, hey! Maybe we shouldn’t wait. They may not be opening at all.

I mean, they’re not “coming” here. Just “comming.”

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Think the assessment on your motor vehicle is too high?

The Board of Assessment Appeals meets on September 8 (6 to 7 p.m., Town Hall lobby).

They’ll hear appeals for the 2025 Grand List. You must bring the vehicle you’re appealing. (Not all the way inside, obviously).

We have no idea what Briggs Cunningham’s C-3 Cabriolet — which he designed himself, seen here at his former Beachside Avenue home — was assessed at in the 1950s. Nor what the assessment is today. We’re guessing a lot: Only 36 were ever built.

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Lizzy & the Triggermen brought their “vintage music for modern times” to the Levitt Pavilion last night. A large crowd enjoyed what NPR calls “one part Eartha Kitt, one part Ella Fitzgerald, one part Amy Winehouse.”

Tonight (7:30 p.m.; free), Billy & the Showmen take the stage. Their R&B, funk, soul and Motown repertoire includes James Brown, Percy Sledge, the Ohio Players, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Marvin Gaye, Wilson Pickett, Tower of Power, Buddy Miles, Kool & the Gang, Otis Redding, the Temptations and Sam & Dave.

Click here for more information.

All ages dance to Lizzy & the Triggermen. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Graduates from several 1980s-era Staples High School classes held an impromptu reunion at Compo Beach last night.

The weather was spectacular — just as they remembered it from their youth.

And this time, the drinks were legal.

(Photo courtesy of Alison Milwe Grace)

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Eloise Semmelmeyer Peterson died peacefully at her Westport home on May 19. She was 95.

She graduated early from Washington University in St. Louis in 1953, with a BS in marketing. Eloise married John Semmelmeyer III in 1956. They settled in Westport in 1965, and raised 3 children here.

Following John’s death in 1974, Eloise eventually found love again with Robert “Pete” Peterson. They lived in Denver and Palm Springs, California. She donated her time to charitable causes. After Pete’s death she returned to Westport in 2007.

She enjoyed music, theater and opera, and in her younger years enjoyed tennis and skiing. She went ziplining in Alaska at age 80.

In the 1970s Eloise began recycling, and was strongly inspired by the feminist movement. She became a vegetarian in her 80s because of her concerns about factory farming. Throughout her life, she remained engaged in social and political issues. In her later years she described herself as “an armchair activist,” working for liberal and progressive causes.

She said that her “happiest decade” was her 80s, which she attributed to her newfound sense of gratitude.

In her last years Eloise shared a loving relationship with William Hart. She is survived by her children, Kristen, Erik and Jana; son-in-law Tom Ward; daughter-in-law Elizabeth Chambliss, and grandchildren Chris Ward, Micheline Ward, Emma Becker Ward (Rachel), Max Ward, Lucy Semmelmeyer, Jane Semmelmeyer, Johana Semmelmeyer and Ryan Cyprian.

Eloise was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport for more than 60 years. Following a private burial, a celebration of her life will be held there on October 3 (12 p.m.).

In lieu of flowers or donations, Eloise asked people to take themselves out to dinner, and have a wonderful time.

Eloise Semmelmeyer Peterson

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Lee Feldman calls today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo “Rose in the Rain.”

Fortunately, there’s no rain in the weekend forecast.

Today will be sunny, with a high 0f 78. Tomorrow: partly cloudy, high of 82.

Enjoy!

(Photo/Lee Feldman)

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And finally … on this date in 1885, the first heavyweight boxing title fight under Marquis of Queensberry rules was held.

(From Westport to Norwalk, Ukraine — and everywhere else — “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Obituaries, Politics, Restaurants, Staples HS, Transportation

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Roundup: Bill Taibe’s New Restaurant Coming, Motorcycle Ride Sunday, Teardowns Ahead …

Posted on August 28, 2026 | 2 comments

What does Bill Taibe — founder of Le Farm, The Whelk, Kawa Ni and Don Memo — do for an encore?

And what’s next for Basso, the highly acclaimed restaurant that closed last year?

hi’Amba!

The new restaurant and market — featuring eastern Mediterranean food — moves in to the Jesup Road space previously occupied earlier by Matsu Sushi some time this fall.

The announcement came via Instagram, from The Connecticut Edit. It was first reported earlier today, by CT Insider.

The post said, “Think: a working bakery on the ground floor, a grab-and-go market brimming with house-made dips, pantry goods, and a full dining room upstairs with a menu made for sharing.

“The food focuses on flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean: shakshuka, hummus, man’oushe, and a seasonal, locally-driven menu that shifts with what’s fresh.”

Taibe calls hi’Amba “the kind of place you want in your neighborhood and can rely on every day.”

The restaurateur has sold his interests in The Whelk, Don Memo (now Massi Co) and Le Farm (now The Cottage).

He currently operates Kawa Ni in Westport and Denver, and the Norwalk Art Space Café.


Bill Taibe

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Sunday’s 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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Speaking of cool vehicles: Mauro Motors BMW of Bridgeport and the Westport Police Department are hosting “Cars & Coffee” on Sunday, September 13, 8 to 10 a.m., Westport train station).

The event features a car show with entrants from around the region, automotive vendor displays, a DJ, live K-9 demonstration with the Westport Police Department, and coffee from Steam of Westport. All proceeds benefit the Westport Police K-9 Unit.

Everyone is invited — to display your car, or just enjoy all the others.

Westport’ sK-9 unit.

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After months of bad news, the situation in Lyman may be improving.

“Ukraine Matters” reports that Ukrainian forces in Westport’s sister city have isolated and cut off Russian invaders. The situation for Russia is “dire.”

Click here or below to see the report. Lyman is first mentioned at the 3:45 mark.

To donate to Lyman through Ukraine Aid International, click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)

(Hat tip: Robert Gerrity)

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The Historic District Commission meets September 8 (7 p.m.; Zoom).

The agenda includes discussion of demolition permits for:

  • 27 Owenoke Park
  • 15 Jennie Lane
  • 8 Bedford Drive
  • 7 Bedford Drive
  • 31 Richmondville Avenue

Click here for links to all materials.

27 Owenoke Park

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For years, Lorenza Arnal has shared her love of Mexico through food: creating her own brand of salsa macha, selling homemade guacamole at the Westport Farmers’ Market and more.

Now there’s another way to experience her home country, even more deeperly and personally: on trips that celebrates Mexico’s history, culture and traditions.

Lorenza leads culinary, cultural and Jewish history tours, and a trip to Oaxaca to experience the Day of the Dead.

The next Oaxaca journey is October 25  to November 1.In Mexico’s “culinary capital,” streets are filled with colorful altars dedicated to the deceased, food, parades, dancing and flowers. Lorenza’s group dines in the best restaurants in town.

For more information, email lorenza@capitanaadventures.com.

Dining in Oaxaca.

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MoCA\CT says: “We are terribly sad at the passing of Yayoi Kusama, an artist whose limitless vision transformed the way we see ourselves, one another, and the world around us.

“In 2019 Kusama’s work helped inaugurate MoCA\CT (then MoCA Westport), welcoming our community into her unforgettable universe of light, reflection, repetition, and wonder. For 7 remarkable weeks, visitors experienced ‘Infinity Mirror Room: Where the Lights in My Heart Go and Narcissus Garden’ together. It was an unprecedented presentation on the East Coast.

“Her work invited us to step beyond ourselves: into lights that seemed to extend forever, reflections that connected each visitor to the people around them, and a world where wonder felt infinite.

“Today, we pay tribute to an extraordinary artist whose imagination and brilliance continue to inspire us all.” (Hat tip: Chris Grimm)

“Infinity Mirror Room” (Photo/Jenna Bascom)

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Oops!

We mixed up 2 similar-looking photos, and gave an incorrect credit in yesterday’s Roundup.

This is the correct picture by Jim Corgel:

(Photo/Jim Corgel)

And this is the one by Carrie Kuhn:

(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)

Our apologies to both photographers. But please: Keep ’em comin’!

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Westport resident and Staples High School graduate Jaclyn Sharp is the founder and CEO of IMPOSTER 4 Animals.

IMPOSTER is “the exclusive global partner for T-Rex Leather for a variety of products, including small leather goods and equestrian sporting goods.”

The first T-Rex Leather handbag in the world recently made its US debut at the Hampton Classic Horse Show, in Bridgehampton.

The UK company that made the T-Rex Leather is IMPOSTER’s partner. The CEO brought the handbag, which had been under glass in an Amsterdam museum. It’s valued around $200,000. This was the first time  any T-Rex Leather samples have been seen in North America.

The bag, at the show.

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A savanna in Africa?

Nope.

A backyard on Whitney Street.

And a very compelling photo, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … in honor of the CT United motorcycle ride this Sunday (story above):

(Get your motor runnin’ … and once you’ve done that, please click here to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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