Basso — the new restaurant in the old Matsu Sushi space by Jesup Green — held a ribbon-cutting this evening.
1st Selectman Jim Marpe, 2nd Selectman Jen Tooker and representatives of the Westport Downtown Merchants Association and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce welcomed owner/chef Renato Donzelli, who found a bigger space, better views (and a wood-fired pizza oven), and made the move from Norwalk.
The space is big and bright. The heaters are cranking. Mangia!
(Photos/Dan Woog)
What can be better than a pop-up bagel shop?
Two of them.
Last week, “06880” featured Sugar & Olives’ Saturday morning pick-up service. Today we highlight a delicious Sunday option, courtesy of Adam Goldberg.
Bagels represent the third career for the longtime Westporter. In 2012, after years in structured finance, he bought the rights to flood mitigation company Aquafence.
He still operates it. But the pandemic hit that industry hard, like so many others.
With time on his hands — and a lifelong love of cooking and entertaining — he began baking. After a year and a half on the keto diet (and a mild case of COVID), Goldberg was ready for some lockdown carbs.
He made sourdoughs, pizzas and pastas.
Then came bagels.
Using his own recipe, Goldberg invited friends to stop by. He’d send out a text at 6 a.m.: “I’m baking today. Stop by.”
This was a great way to see them — if only to hand them his bagels through a backyard pick-up window, while chatting for a minute or two.
Adam Goldberg, his wife Jen, his bagels, his back yard, and his window (background).
He had no set schedule. That didn’t matter, because every day blended into every other one.
Word spread. His text chain grew. Now Goldberg was getting requests for bagels from “tertiary friends.”
November 1 was his birthday. In normal years, he throws a party. This time, he teamed with Filling in the Blanks, the Norwalk non-profit that provides weekend meals to needy children. His bagel sale raised around $1,000.
That drew more attention. Soon, 1200 people were requesting bagels. Most were strangers.
Help came when Rachel Golan reached out. The wife of Don Memo owner Bill Taibe offered their kitchen on a Sunday morning.
Goldberg was not sure if that would work. “Bagels are sensitive,” he notes. “I didn’t know if the oven or the process would be right.”
In early December, he took a chance. He baked 300 bagels.
All were quickly gobbled up.
A few of Adam Goldberg’s many bagels. (Photo/Jen Goldberg)
For his second Sunday, Goldberg devised an advance online ordering system. He cut that off at 500 bagels.
His third and fourth efforts were capped at 1,000 each. Both sold out — within minutes.
He, his wife and local kids he hired hand-delivered bagels over the holidays. They too sold out in seconds.
This past Wednesday, it took just 82 seconds for all bagels to be spoken for. Another 155 names joined the wait list.
“I never set out to sell,” Goldberg says. “But people keep knocking. I’ve been in the flood business for all these years. I never had 500 people on my mailing list.”
He no longer works alone. Golan helps bake; so do a doctor, fashion executive and hedge fund woman.
“It’s 6:30 in the morning. The radio is on. I’m with good friends, rolling bagels. There’s no place I’d rather be,” Goldberg says.
Behind the scenes in the Don Memo kitchen. From left: Rachel Golan, David Levinson,
Jason Epstein, Adam Goldberg. (Photo/Ria Rueda)
Recently, he got a state license. It allows him to cook non-perishable items at home, for sale.
Goldberg’s goods have gained notice — and not just from normal, run-of-the-mill bagel lovers.
CTbites recently included Pop Up Bagels on its “Top Eats for 2020” — by 2 separate food writers. Goldberg was listed along with some of the top restaurants (and chefs) in the state.
The past months have taught the bagel baker some important lessons. For example: “It’s exciting to grow a business. It’s always tricky to scale something done at home. But if you make a great product, there’s a market for it.”
That market includes many people with “childhood memories of eating great bagels,” Goldberg says. Seemingly all grew up in the tri-state area.
Those memories are strong. When he ran an online contest (the prize: a dozen bagels) asking for recollections, the nearly 100 responses were “off the charts. People remembered smells, sights, everything. There’s a lot of nostalgia for bagels.”
Each Sunday, he gets feedback.
“Thanks for letting me buy your bagels,” one customer wrote. “I feel like I won the lottery.”
“This Long Island girl finally feels at home here,” another said.
Such comments are gratifying. They could turn a bagel maker’s head. But Goldberg is not biting. He tells people who urge him to expand: “We’re taking our time. We want to be sure to hit it right.”
He pauses. “It’s a hobby gone wild.’
(Goldberg typically bakes salted poppy, sesame, Maldon salt, cinnamon raisin, everything and plain bagels; occasionally he adds honey whole wheat. Don Memo offers an artisan schmear, when you pick up your bagels. To be notified of upcoming sales, follow popupbagels on Instagram or click here.)
Posted in Local business, People, Restaurants
Tagged Adam Goldberg, CT Bites, Don Memo, Popup Bagels
After 4 years in business, many Westporters still have not heard of NewBrook Kitchen + Artisan Market. COVID — which knocked out indoor seating — has not helped.
That’s a shame.
The small, friendly Saugatuck Avenue paleo café/bakery/cooking school/all-purpose event kitchen has something for everyone. NewBrook calls itself
They’re gluten-, dairy-, soy- and refined-sugar free. But, they say, “we’re never free from taste!” The tagline is: “Where the modern cave people dine.” (During the pandemic, of course, all dining is takeout.)
They’ve just added 3 new entrees (all very popular as specials), a new salad and toppers, additional wraps, and a “pressed panini of the week.”
With mother/daughter team of Cindy and Danielle Hartog the only 2 employees, NewBrook might be the most COVID-friendly spot in town.
Besides the full daily menu, they offer a wide retail array of gluten-free snacks, ingredients, and hard-to-find products.
Click here for the full new menu. A special Valentine’s Day meal is available for pickup February 11. Click here for more information on NewBrook. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
Dr. Joan and Dennis Poster wrote yesterday:
“A very big shout-out to the entire Westport Police Department on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. For all they do every day keeping our community safe, and for all those that serve: Thank you! Be well, and be safe.”
Amen! We are so lucky to have the officers and leaders that we do. “06880” adds a hearty “thank you” to all.
(Photos/Amy Berkin)
And finally … Jim Croce was born today in 1943. The singer/songwriter died — way too young — at 30, in a plane crash.
Posted in Local business, Police, Restaurants
Tagged Law Appreciation Day, NewBrook Kitchen + Artisan Market
Elise Maclay — a poet, writer, foodie, elegant dresser and accomplished traveler — died peacefully January 5, in her Westport home by Long Island Sound. She was 95.
She spent her final days looking over the water, surrounded by family and with a photo of her beloved husband David at her side.
Elise attended the College of William & Mary on a full scholarship. She majored in English, graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and served as class poet until her death.
Elise had a successful early career in the heady Mad men days of advertising. She commuted to New York from Connecticut with 2 small children at home, gracefully navigating the mandatory 3-martini lunches in an otherwise male world.
She wrote copy for the prestigious BMW account — and once posed as the model for an ad she created, when the talent did not show up.
Elise Maclay
Elise’s poetry appeared in publications like Nature magazine. Her “Walk Softly” is often quoted by nature lovers.
She wrote 2 books of prose poems, and collaborated on 5 other books with artist Bev Doolittle.
Elise’s poetry, and interest in Native American, wildlife and nature themes, complements Doolittle’s “camouflage” art.
Elise sourced fine food locally, long before chefs used cilantro and kale. A carnivore, she enjoyed great food robustly. Her culinary taste and writing gifts led to another career. For over 25 years she was Connecticut Magazine’s food critic. She captured tastes, ambiance and the personalities and dreams of chefs.
The number of exquisite meals delivered to her home in recent months is a testament to the loyalty and gratitude of many chefs, young and old, whom she discovered and celebrated.
But her true passion was travel — preferably adventures to far and exotic locales — with her husband. She hiked Machu Picchu, explored the Himalayas and climbed Mt. Kenya in a blizzard.
She, her niece LeeLee and dear friend Fi explored the Caribbean islands, Italy and Portugal as recently as last February.
Closer to home, she was a beloved presence at her family’s summer home on Cape Cod. She walked the beaches, swam, read by the fire, and regaled generations of family and friends with adventures and cherished memories.
Her spirit is carried on by her son Gary Gibbs, his wife Kaija and their 4 children; stepson Bill Maclay, his wife Alex, and their 2 sons; stepson David Maclay Jr., his wife Juliet and their 2 sons; cousn Joyce Haun, and an extended network of neighbors, chefs and friends from all walks of life.
She was predeceased by her husband David, son Brian Gibbs and stepdaughter Sherry Maclay.
Elise would want all to know David’s final words, quoting Tennessee Williams: “Make voyages. Attempt them. There’s nothing else.”
Memorials will be held post-COVID in Westport and Chatham, Massachusetts.
Donations in Elise’s name may be made to the CT Hospitality Employee Relief Fund or Save the Sound.
(Hat tip: Judith Hart)
Posted in Environment, Media, Organizations, People, Restaurants
Yesterday’s Roundup noted the upcoming demolition of 14 Hillandale Road — writer A.E. Hotchner’s longtime home — as part of the construction of Authors Way, a new 4-house subdivision.
Developer Rick Benson says that while the Historic District Commission permit allows teardown any time after Monday (January 11), the final Planning & Zoning Commission hearing is next Thursday (January 14). It’s unlikely, he says, that demolition work will start for a few weeks.
He notes that the house lacks a satisfactory foundation; has no full cellar, first floor bathroom, insulation or central HV/AC system, and has rusted 1920 iron windows.
In addition, Benson says, it lands in the setbacks of the new lot layouts.
14 Hillandale Road
Also slated to be torn down: 27 Gorham Avenue. The home was built in 1933.
27 Gorham Avenue (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)
David Meth writes:
“On Wednesday night, to take a break from the dull routine of daily life and obscene anxiety of politics and pandemic, and actually run away from the assault of the news, a friend and I decided to go out for a delicious pizza at Ignazio’s next to the Sherwood Diner.
“It made the day, because it reminded us of the importance of a pizza and conversation, a glass of beer or wine, a burger at the diner, cup of coffee at the local café … just getting together and talking to one another without devices and electronic interruptions is so wonderfully refreshing and important—and how much we miss the tradition and sense of community of just being with friends, even strangers, to remember who we are as people.”
Remember normal life?
Residents of the Punch Bowl/Gault Park area have noticed a number of trees cut down recently — and others marked with the tape that means their end is near too.
Town tree warden Bruce Lindsay says it’s part of Eversource’s effort to target high-risk trees that could topple in a storm. Many are slender white pines.
The neighborhood bordered by Cross Highway and Weston Road suffered severe damage — including extended power outages — during August’s Tropical Storm Isaias.
Eversource analyzes circuit by circuit performance, then targets the circuits or portions with the most tree-related outages. They then identify trees needing trimming or removal.
Trees account for up to 90% of all outages in Eversource’s system.
(Photo/Joyce Backman)
Tony La Russa is coming to the Westport Library
Well, not really. It’s a livestream, and it’s not likely the Major League Baseball Hall of Famer will be talking from the Westport Library studio.
But he’ll be joined by a good friend — longtime Westporter Steve Parrish — and the Library is sponsoring the event. So — even thought fans can join from anywhere in the world — it does count as “ours.”
The event is set for Tuesday, January 26 (7 p.m.). La Russa will chat about his World Series victories, tell classic baseball stories, and describe his role as new manager of the Chicago White Sox.
Click here to register for the free program.
Tony La Russa
And finally … the War of 1812 roared back in the news this week. That’s the last time — until Wednesday — that the US Capitol suffered a significant breach from opponents of democracy.
On this day in 1815, the last major engagement of that war ended. American forces defeated the British in the bloody Battle of New Orleans.
Andrew Jackson and a ragtag group of frontiersmen, slaves, Indians and pirates held off, then inflicted tremendous damage on a much larger and better trained British force intent on capturing the important port.
In just over 30 minutes, the Americans suffered 60 casualties — and killed 2,000 British.
Jackson became a national hero, and set out on a path to the presidency. However, the battle was for naught. The Treaty of Ghent, ending the war, had been signed 18 days earlier. Word had not yet reached the US from Europe.
Posted in Environment, Library, Real estate, Restaurants, Sports
Tagged 14 Hillandale Road, A. E. Hotchner, Eversource, Ignazio's Pizza, Tony La Russa, Westport Library
Flying fearlessly in the face of the pandemic, another new restaurant opens in Westport today.
Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar takes over the old Matsu Sushi on Jesup Road, behind the old Restoration Hardware (soon to be the new Barnes & Noble).
Chef Renato Donzelli has moved Basso from Norwalk to here. The 2-story space is larger, there is seating outdoors, and there’s a wood-fired pizza oven too.
According to CTbites, Donzelli was born in Venezuela and raised in Naples. His menu is Mediterranean flavored, with a Venezuelan influence. Click here for their full story.
(Photo collage courtesy of Stephanie Webster/CTbites.com)
And finally … Gerry Marsden, the leader and namesake of Gerry and the Pacemakers, died yesterday in London, of a blood infection. He was 78.
The band was from Liverpool, was managed by Brian Epstein, and for a while was the Beatles’ biggest rivals in the city. They were part of what the US called “the British Invasion” of the mid-1960s. They had several big rock hits here, like “I Like It” and “How Do You Do It?”
They were known for ballads too, like “Ferry Cross the Mersey,” “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” and “I’ll Be There.”
But they’re best known — and will be for generations more — for an odd choice of a pop hit. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” — from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 1945 “Carousel.”
It became the anthem of Liverpool’s soccer team, and was adopted by other clubs around the world. The Staples High School girls team plays it before every match. Watch the video below, and you’ll see why it may be best sports song of all time.
Of all the Friday Flashbacks I post, it’s these — collections of bygone businesses or restaurants — that resonate the most.
This match collection comes courtesy of Scott Beck. He now owns Little Barn — but it’s clear the Staples High School graduate’s restaurant chops go back a long way.
Some of these are classics, like Three Bears, Mario’s, The Arrow and Ships.
Some — The Mushroom and L’Arbalète — I don’t remember at all.
Davy Jones deserves special mention. It preceded the Black Duck.
But my favorite — though I don’t remember it either — is not a restaurant at all.
Anyone know anything about The Octopus: “t-shirt and head-shop”?
Those were the days.
(Collage courtesy of Scott Beck)
Peering into Amis restaurant …
… and across the street, Pink Sumo (Photos/ John Videler for Videler Photography)
Comments Off on Pics Of The Day
Posted in Downtown, Pic of the Day, Restaurants
Tagged Amis restaurant, Pink Sumo
One of my favorite New Year’s traditions is the SyFy channel’s “Twilight Zone” marathon.
It airs December 31 and January 1 — one great, thought-provoking, stand-the-test-of-time episode after another.
Rod Serling began writing and introducing his stories while he lived in Westport — right down the street from my family, in fact, on High Point Road.
Some were influenced by this suburban, post-war town. And “A Stop at Willoughby” — with a train conductor calling out to a time traveler, “Next stop: Westport!” — is on tomorrow (Thursday, December 31) at 9:20 p.m. Click here for the full schedule.
Congratulations to The Cottage and Kawa Ni — and their owners, Brian Lewis and Bill Taibe respectively. Both are included in Connecticut Magazine’s list of the Top 15 restaurants in the state.
That means our town includes more than 13% of all the best restaurants!
Did you miss last night’s full Full Cold Moon?
Wendy Crowther sure didn’t.
(Photo/Wendy Crowther)
And finally … influential bluegrass and new acoustic singer/guitarist Tony Rice died Saturday in North Carolina. He was 69.
Posted in Entertainment, Media, People, Restaurants
Tagged Connecticut Magazine, Fox Moon, Kawa Ni, Rod Serling, SyFy, The Cottage, Twlight Zone
We’ve heard a lot about the importance of helping local restaurants during the pandemic. And of course we know that now, in these very tough times, many area residents are hungry.
Here is a brilliant way to help both.
Westport-based CK Business Solutions and Stamford’s CC VIP have teamed up with Filling in the Blanks. The non-profit delivers weekend meals to low-income children in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.
The astonishingly simple idea:
Buy a gift card from a restaurant anywhere in Westport — or Norwalk, New Canaan, Stamford or Greenwich.
Leave it at the restaurant and email fundandfeedlocal@gmail.com, letting them know you bought it. A Filling in the Blanks volunteer will pick it up.
If you prefer, you can mail the gift card to CK Business Solutions, PO Box 2031, Westport, CT 06880.
Filling in the Blanks will put the card in the hands of a family in need.
You help your favorite restaurant. They feed a hungry family.
We got this! Let’s go to town — figuratively and literally. It could be the greatest gift you give this holiday season.
(For more information about this project, click here.)
Posted in Economy, Local business, Restaurants
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