Brian Lewis is the highly respected chef and owner of 2 legendary Westport restaurants: The Cottage and OKO.
He’s also a James Beard Award finalist, and a key figure in the Fairfield County culinary scene.
But he’s also a dad — and much more. The other day, Brian made the short trip to the Westport Library, to chat about his work, his life (and his sons). Click here or below, to enjoy our wide-ranging conversation.
Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Brian Lewis
Posted in Library, Media, Restaurants
Tagged "06880" podcast, Brian Lewis, OKO restaurant, The Cottage
Historic Saugatuck Congregational Church — the site of Westport’s founding as a town, in 1835 — has a new pastor.
Rev. Steven Savides takes over next month. He follows Rev. Alison Patton, who was called 2 years ago to a church in Maine. The position has been filled on an interim basis since then.
Rev. Dr. Savides is also an educator and former journalist. He has served UCC congregations in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Ohio.
He earned a Ph.D. in peace studies and theology from Notre Dame University, and a master’s in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School. He was ordained in 2006.
Rev. Savides and his wife, Rev. Nanette Pitt, live in Akron, Ohio. She served First Congregational Church there as senior minister for 8 years, before embarking on a new career in support of progressive political candidates. She is currently senior advisor to a US congresswoman.
Rev. Savides is described as “a compelling peacher and teacher deeply committed to peace and social justice, faith formation across the lifespan, pastoral care and counseling … and building inclusive, resilient and sustainable congregations.” (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Rev. Dr. Steven Savides
===============================================
Platform by the James Beard Foundation — the state-of-the-art show kitchen, event space and educational hub for special culinary arts programming at Pier 57’s Market 57 food hall in New York — celebrates October with a standout lineup of 2025 James Beard Award winners and nominees.
Among them: Westport chef Brian Lewis.
On October 22 (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.), the noted owner of OKO and The Cottage honors National Seafood Month with a “Season for Seafood” dinner.
Lewis — a 2025 James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef: Northest — offers a meal with Skuna Bay salmon, and locally sourced ingredients from the Northeast.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Chef Brian Lewis
=================================================
For years, the Westport Writers’ Workshop has helped new and experienced authors of all kinds find their voice, and hone their passion, at their Sylvan Road South suite.
They’ve also done it through, through scholarships and free writing workshops, for underserved communities across Connecticut.
They partner with the Connecticut Institute for Immigrants and Refugees, STAR, the Center for Family Justice/AWARE, and the Bigelow Center for Seniors to bring writing opportunities to people who lack access. WWW also offers free therapeutic and skills-based workshops for mothers of children with disabilities and veterans.
On September 18 (6:30 p.m., Fairfield Museum) a “Sips & Scholarships” fundraiser — including light bites, wine and silent auction — will help them continue their outreach.
Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market will curate the tastings — and donating 10% of all wine sales that night to WWW.
Tickets are $75. A $250 Special Sponsor ticket funds a 2 1/2-hour free class for students in underserved populations. For tickets and more information, click here.
==================================================
CAST For Kids — a powerful experience for children with special needs — returns to Westport for the 7th time on August 24. The 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. event, at a private riverfront backyard, includes lunch and an awards ceremony.
The event — part of the national CAST for Kids organization — has served over 100 children over the years. They and their families love to fish on the river, and enjoy time outdoors.
Children who participated now volunteer, helping teach other youngsters.
This year’s program is again spearheaded by Asher Marcus, a nature enthusiast and rising senior at Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy.
He has teamed up with Daris (“Miss D”) Datzenko. The well-known special ed teacher first heard about CAST for Kids a few years ago. She knew it would be a perfect fit for her students, as well as the Challenger baseball team.
CAST for Kids also draws an enthusiastic group of volunteers. They do not need to be expert fishermen. But they should be patient and enthusiastic, helping ensure that every child is happy and feels welcome.
To register as a participant or a volunteer, email Asher Marcus: (saugatuckriver@castforkids.org), or click here.
CAST for Kids — quite a fish story!
==================================================
Registration is open for Club203’s 2025-26 season.
The fourth year of Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities promises to be the biggest and best yet. Click here for details.
Meanwhile, members are invited to tomorrow’s “Summer Art by MoCA CT” (Wednesday, August 20, 5 p.m.). It’s a relaxing way to learn self-expression through a variety of art forms. Click here to register, and for more information.
==================================================
Milling and paving has begun on North Avenue, near Staples High School.
Take an alternate route, if you can.
North Avenue roadwork. (Screenshot courtesy of Kuku Fleming)
=================================================
DanceBody — a New York City dance cardio brand — headlines 2 pop-up classes at 345 Post Road West, today (August 19 — hip hop) and next Tuesday (August 26 — sculpt).
Both begin at 9:30 a.m.
A New York DanceBody class.
==================================================
You know those “lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer”?
This dude took them literally, at the Library Riverwalk by the Saugatuck River:
(Photo/Frank Rosen)
==================================================
Meanwhile: School is just around the corner. (I know — how the hell did that happen?!)
On Sunday, a group of soon-to-be Staples High juniors celebrated the end of summer — and the setting sun — at Compo Beach:
(Photo/Dan Cheng)
==================================================
Also at the beach: Yesterday, the Westport Police and Fire dive team conducted training.
The scenario simulated a lost swimmer. Practice include search and rescue techniques in open water.
Training begins. (Photo/Richard Fogel)
==================================================
A reminder: This Saturday (August 23, 3 to 5:30 p.m.), the pickleball courts at Compo Beach will be dedicated in honor of Lowrie.
The 97-year-old is “the father of Westport pickleball” (and much more).
Theree will be an exhibition with professional, nationally ranked players (and prizes). And the Y’s Men’s Hoot Owls will provide musical entertainment.
Bring your own beach chair and refreshments. Watch the pros. Honor Tom. And then play afterward, on the Tom Lowrie Courts.
(Poster created by Andrew Colabella)
==================================================
Jazz at the post’s Summer Series continues to celebrate Connecticut-based artists.
This Thursday (August 21, 7 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; Westport VFW), it’s Sambeleza.
The name comes from 2 words: samba (the national dance of Brazil), and beleza (Portuguese for “beauty.”)
Founders The group came into being in 2009 as the combined brainchild of vocalist and São Paulo native Isabella Mendes, Brazilian guitar specialist Joe Carter and jazz bassist Jeff Fuller.
Since 2009 they’ve paid homage to great songs by Brazilian compsers, and added original songs. Founders Jeff Fuller (bass), Joe Carter (guitar) and Isabella Mendes (piano, vocals) will be joined by drummer Daniel Silva and saxophonist Greg (“The Jazz Rabbi”) Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
==================================================
The banks of the Saugatuck River are as good a place as any for “love birds” to cuddle.
And — as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows — we do mean that literally.
(Photo/Pat Saunders)
=================================================
And finally … if you read through today’s Roundup, you probably guessed we would end with:
(We recommend reading “06880” in a hammock by the river. Or anywhere else. We recommend even more clicking here, to support the hyper-local blog that you are reading right now. Thank you!)
Westporters know how talented Brian Lewis is.
Now the James Beard Foundation does too.
The Cottage‘s chef/owner was named yesterday as one of 5 nominees for Best Chef, in the New England region. The others are from Providence (2), Cambridge and Burlington, Vermont.
The winner will be announced on June 16, at a ceremony in Chicago. The Awards will be broadcast live on Eater. Click here for more James Beard information.
Chef Brian Lewis
===============================================
Speaking of restaurants: The Blondinit is (“06880” thinks) the only one in Westport offering a kosher menu for Passover.
Available for catering and in-house dining, and made with true Israeli flavors and 100% kosher ingredients, the half and full trays include appetizers (deviled eggs, smoke salmon, fried matzah, flourless potato latkes and matzah ball soup); dips; salads; entrees (baked chicken, mafrum, stuffed peppers, matzah-crusted sea bass and grilled salmon); sides, and desserts.
The catering order deadline is Monday (April 7).
Every dish is served with matzah, Israeli pickles and schug. Available in half or full trays for gatherings big or small.
Click here to order (use the “Passover” tab under “Order Online”), or call 203-557-3277.
==================================================
If it’s April, it must be time for the Minute Man Race.
One of Westport’s most popular traditions, the event — actually, a 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk and kids’ fun run, plus a Kids’ Zone with games and entertainment — returns Sunday, April 27 (Compo Beach).
All net proceeds benefit the Westport Young Woman’s League Grants program. Last year, they awarded $65,000 to 9 non-profits doing vital work across Fairfield County.
Now is the time to register.
And to sponsor and donate. All are welcome!
Click here for more information, and to register, donate and sponsor.
==================================================
Another great Westport tradition — the Day of Champions — is coming soon too. Mark your calendars: Sunday, May 18 (9 to 11:30 a.m., PJ Romano Field).
It’s Experience Camps’ morning of family competition and fun — and a major fundraiser for their efforts to provide free programs for children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver.
Everyone who has participated (and that’s almost everyone in Westport with an elementary school-age kid) knows it’s a great event.
They also know how much work it takes.
Volunteer sign-ups have begun. There are tons of tasks. Click here to help. Click here to learn more about Experience Camps.
The “En Fuego team”: on fire at the Day of Champions. (Photo/Amy Shapiro)
=================================================
This is also the time of year to clean out basements and garages.
CB Sportif and Northeast Community Cycles are collecting “pre-loved” bikes.
They’ll be refurbished, then given free to children and adults throughout Fairfield County who need — but cannot afford — themm.
Bicycles can be dropped off tomorrow (Friday, April 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Saturday (April 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at CB Sportif (1554 Post Road East). Tax receipts are available.
Questions? Call 203-586-3030.
New life for old bikes.
=================================================
Barbra Streisand celebrates her birthday at the Westport Country Playhouse.
Well — April 24 is her birthday. She’ll be represented there in “Me, Myself, and Barbra,” a tribute by Jenna Pastuszek.
She was inspired by a meeting with the singing star, who inspired her to embrace her inner Barbra.
The show is April 24 — Streisand’s birthday. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $45 and $40; pre-show party and show tickets are $55 and $50. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
==================================================
Totney Benson reports: “Boats are retuning to the Ned Dimes Marina. There was one yesterday, almost 20 this morning!”
That’s quite an increase. At that exponential rate, the Compo Beach basin will be filled tomorrow.
(Photo/Totney Benson)
==================================================
Westport Police made no custodial arrests between March 26 and April 2.
They issued these citations:
Texting while driving is illegal — even at a red light.
=================================================
For the last couple of weeks, we’ve introduced our “Westport … Naturally” feature by saying, “In a couple of weeks, this scene will look very different.”
Come on, spring! What are you waiting for?
Compo Beach (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
==================================================
And finally … in honor of the bicycle collection this weekend at CB Sportif:
(From restaurants and road races to volunteer opportunities, “06880” offers it all to you today. We do it every day too — 24/7/365. Of course, we rely on reader support. Please click here. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Brian Lewis & James Beard, Blondinit & Passover …
Posted in Beach, Local business, Police, Restaurants, Westport Country Playhouse
Tagged Barbra Streisand, Brian Lewis, CB Sportif, Day of Champions, Experience Camps, Minute Man Race, The Blondinit, The Cottage, Westport Young Woman's League
Semifinalist nominees for the 2025 James Beard Awards have been announced.
Two Connecticut chefs are up for “Best Chef” in New England — and both are from Westport.
Congratulations to Brian Lewis of The Cottage, and Michelle Greenfield of Allium Eatery!
Finalists will be announced April 2. The award ceremony is June 16, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. (Hat tip: CTBites.com)
Chef Brian Lewis
Chef Michelle Greenfield
=================================================
In years past, Connecticut Department of Transportation engineers said they would not repair the Cribari Bridge authentically, with respect to its 135-year-old historical significance.
That may change.
The state DOT is seeking public comment on a draft that will govern the way they review transportation projects in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. The Cribari Bridge fits the National Landmark designation.
The draft (click here to see) would “make efficiencies to the process for considering historic properties that may be affected by road, rail and transit projects in Connecticut.”
“We are committed to ensuring that transportation projects not only meet the needs of today but also preserve and respect our rich historical and cultural assets,” says CTDOT commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.
“This collaboration with our federal and state partners is crucial for maintaining transparency, efficiency, and accountability in our process, particularly when it comes to preserving the historic landscapes and structures that define our communities. We encourage all members of the public to provide their feedback.”
Click here and click here for more details. To provide comments on the draft, click here. The deadline is February 24. (Hat tip: Werner Liepolt)
The historic William F. Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)
==================================================
Speaking of transportation: Both elevators at the Saugatuck train station suffered damage with the past month. Both are now closed for repairs.
Special parts must be fabricated, so it may be a month before they are back in operation.
Saugatuck train station elevator.
==================================================
The next meeting of the Long Lots School Building Committee is tonight (Tuesday, January 28, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).
The agenda includes:
Planning continues tonight for the new Long Lots Elementary School. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
==================================================
Speaking of schools: The next Board of Education meeting is Thursday (January 30, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).
The agenda includes:
==================================================
A tulip sprouted yesterday, at Grace Salmon Park.
It was not a real flower. But it will last longer than one.
Emily Teall’s “Tulip Bulb” is the newest sculpture at the Imperial Avenue site. All steel, it’s 8 feet high, and 6 feet in diameter.
If it looks familiar: It spent the past 5 years in front of the Norwalk Arts Space.
The installation is part of the Westport Arts Advisory Committee’s initiative — along with the Selectwoman’s Office, and Parks & Recreation Department — to beautify town parks with sculptures.
A formal dedication of “Tulip Bulb” will take place (appropriately) this spring.
Westport Arts Advisory Committee members Kathie Bennewitz (left) and Dina Upton (right), with Mariano Brothers installers, at Grace Salmon Park yesterday.
==================================================
Speaking of coming seasons: Registration starts February 3 (9 a.m.) for Wakeman Town Farm’s summer camps.
They include:
Click here for more details.
Feeding the animals at Wakeman Town Farm Summer Camp.
=================================================
When Parker Greenberg was born in 2016, her parents instantly knew something was not right.
She was born with a very rare genetic condition, HIST1H1E Syndrome that leaves her with severe special needs. Hers was the 8th case diagnosed worldwide, a week before her second birthday.
Daily life is a challenge for the young Westporter. She sees a large team of specialists, has undergone many surgeries, and had plenty of medical scares.
Yet, her mother Kimberly says, “our determined little girl has never given up. She continues to teach us new things daily, including how to stay positive.”
In just 4 years Dr. Yong-Hui Jiang, Chief of Medical Genetics at Yale, has made great progress toward a cure. What felt like a distant dream when her parents founded the non-profit Parker’s Cure is now within reach.
The Westport community has helped the Greenbergs raise over $600,000 for Parker’s Cure over the past few years. But more is needed.
This Friday (January 31, Bowlero in Norwalk, 8 p.m.), Parker’s Cure hosts a special event. Auction items include autographed NBA jerseys; a signed 2024 US Olympic gold medal basketball; special sports experiences for baseball, golf and basketball fans; Broadway tickets, local treasures and more. Click here for tickets, and more information.
But you don’t have to be at Bowlero to win. Click here to see all the auction items, and bid. The auction closes Friday at 11:30 p.m.
Parker Greenberg (middle child in photo), with her parents and sisters.
==================================================
This week’s Jazz at the Post features The Caribbean Jazz Connection (Thursday, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7. $20 music charge; $15, veterans and students).
Led by drummer Jim Royle, who has crossed jazz and Caribbean Latin styles for years, it features Fairfield native and acclaimed percussionist Bryan Garbe, bassist John Mobilio and pianist Dave Childs. Click here for tickets.
Jim Royle
===============================================
Here’s today’s smile, courtesy of the Leonard Schine Nature Preserve, and our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
============================================
And finally … in honor of Westport’s 2 chefs, chosen as James Beard Award semifinalists (story above):
(“06880” keeps a close eye on Westport’s restaurant scene –openings, closings, James Beard awards and more. If you dine out on any of our stories, click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Top Chefs, Cribari Bridge, Long Lots …
Posted in Education, Environment, Local politics, Restaurants
Tagged Allium Eatery, Brian Lewis, Connecticut Department of Transportation, Cribari Bridge, Jazz at the Post, Long Lots Elementary School, Parks & Recreation Department, Saugatuck train station, The Cottage restaurant, Wakeman Town Farm
The Staples High School boys lacrosse team is 2-time defending state champions.
But until Thursday night, they’d never won an FCIAC (league) championship.
They did it dramatically, in Wilton. Adam Udell scored 3 goals in just 4 minutes, 20 seconds, rallying his 5th-seeded squad from a 6-3 deficit late in the 4th quarter, to a 6-6 draw.
Just 8 seconds into sudden-death overtime, Udell fired a shot. His 4th — and most dramatic goal — gave the Wreckers the win, over #2 Darien.
This was not the first clutch score for Udell. A year ago, as a sophomore, he stole an inbounds pass in the basketball state semifinal, then calmly scored a layup, to lead Staples past Fairfield Warde, and into the finals.
The lacrosse title — keyed also by goalie Josh Marcus — capped a very satisfying 5 days for Staples. During the FCIAC tournament they thrashed Wilton (9-1) and New Canaan (11-5), avenging regular season losses.
Darien also beat the Westporters, in the regular season.
The goal now is to be the first Staples boys lax team to win both an FCIAC and state title.
The road to the Connecticut crown is not easy. It begins Wednesday at home (5:30 p.m.) vs. Trumbull. Tough teams like Ridgefield, Fairfield Prep and New Canaan lie ahead.
But — with Udell, Marcus, coach Will Koshansky and a host of talented players — the Wreckers are ready.
Click here to see the full FCIAC final. Click below for Udell’s 4 goals (including his game winner), and the wild celebration that followed, courtesy of The Ruden Report.
================================================
Speaking of Staples, a reminder: Free tickets are available at 9 a.m. this Wednesday (May 29), for the annual Pops Concert at the Levitt Pavilion.
This year’s show is Friday, June 7 (lawn opens at 6 p.m.; concert at 7; BYO chair; food trucks on site). The always sold-out event features the Staples Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble, Orphenians, Choralaires and other small group ensembles.
Once again, media personality David Pogue will serve as the warm, welcoming emcee.
Click this link — staplesmusic.org — beginning Wednesday at 9 a.m. Tickets are free, but a $15 contribution is suggested to help offset production costs.
==================================================
Speaking of the Levitt Pavilion: They’re part of today’s big Westport day.
In addition to the Fine Arts Festival downtown, and the Parks & Recreation Department Summer Kick-off at Compo, there’s a 3-band festival at our favorite outdoor entertainment venue.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & The UN and Dogs in a Pile — those are all band names — take the stage, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The gate opens at 4.
Food trucks on site include the Blind Rhino, Melt Mobile, Little Pub Lobster Roll and the Dough Girls Wood-Fired Pizza.
Limited tickets ($55; $125 premium) remain. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
More Levitt news: Super Sonic Shorties has just been signed. They’ll be there June 14, en route to the Northlands Festival.
==================================================
Among the items on the agenda for the next Representative Town Meeting (Tuesday, June 4, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium):
A $265,000 appropriation from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, to develop a Parks Master Plan.
A $990,000 appropriation for Phase I of the Cross Highway School Zone Corridor Improvements.
A petition from Westporters “to review, discuss and reject the new Parks & Recreation regulation, or modify it in order to preserve the gardening hours at the Westport Community Garden to their prior hours during school days (i.e. no gardening between 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.).”
===============================================
Congratulations to News 12 Connecticut — and to Wynston Browne.
Our local cable station was named an Edward R. Murrow Award New England regional winner, in the annual Radio Television Digital News competition.
News 12 won in the “Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” category, in the Television/Large Market division, for their broadcast of “My Name is Wynston Browne.”
The segment featured Wynston, a Staples High School junior who — despite being a non-speaking autistic young man — has learned to communicate using a typing device. In 2 years, he has shared his remarkable mind and keen insights with the world.
It’s a very inspiring story, told with care and compassion by News 12.
Regional winners advance to the national competition. Winners will be announced in August. Click here for a list of all New England awards.
Wynston Browne (Photo/Dan Woog)
==================================================
As Memorial Day nears, American flags are sprouting around town.
Lauri Weiser was heartened to see these, lining the Lansdowne condominium driveway:
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
=================================================
An inspiring photo of a different kind is Andrew Colabella’s image of Long Island Sound.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
It’s a nice reminder too that — though the sign says otherwise — lifeguard coverage starts Monday, at Compo and Burying Hill Beaches, and the Longshore pool.
==================================================
But Westporters got an early start yesterday on the holiday weekend. This was the Friday late-afternoon scene at Compo Beach:
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
Unfortunately, another tradition continues: Hook’d’s closed doors.
Despite the crowds — and their supposed closing time of 7:30 p.m. — the doors were locked before then.
=================================================
The sold-out crowd at Thursday’s Westport Library conversation with James Comey was surprised.
Most attendees figured the former FBI director, former Bridgewater Associates counsel and former Westporter would talk about his new book “Westport” — the plot involves the fictional world’s biggest hedge fund, Saugatuck Associates — and avoid or deflect questions about the most controversial aspect of his career: his decision in late October 2016 to announce that the FBI had reopened an investigation into presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s emails.
But under pointed and persistent questioning from Westport’s Dave Briggs — a well-established TV personality — Comey was honest, self-reflective, forthcoming, and quite opinionated.
If you missed the event, no problem. The Library’s recorded it. Click below, for an insightful, insider’s view of Washington and the world:
==================================================
This sign was just posted near the “blue house” at 233 Hillspoint Road, diagonally across from Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
(Photo/Michael Friedland)
It’s big.
There are substantial cement footings.
And since when has Westport been a “city”?!
==================================================
Brian Lewis — chef ad owner of The Cottage and OKO — adds a new dining twist this summer.
BANA is a “seasonal and elevated pop-up dining experience. Each menu draws inspiration from global gastronomic traditions and cultural richness, promising an exhilarating exploration of flavors” in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.
That first BANA is Saturday, July 20 (7 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm). The event celebrates “the treasures and techniques of both the New England and Japanese coastlines.” Lewis’ tasting menu will showcase fish, shellfish, and vegetables sourced from the New England coastline and local farms.
Tickets are $200 per person, or $275 per person with a special sake and wine pairing (including sales tax and a 22% service fee).
25% of all proceeds support Brian Lewis’ Family Meal Foundation. It provides comfort and support through delicious meals, brought to the homes of people in need when they are healing from the loss of a loved one, or face medical and emotional challenges.
For tickets and more information, click here.
Chef Brian Lewis
=============================================
Westport is looking particularly beautiful these days.
Among the spots to admire: Lynda Ialeggio’s patio, on Old Mill Beach. It’s a perfect “Westport … Naturally” scene this Memorial Day weekend.
(Photo/Lynda Ialeggio)
=======================================================
And finally … on this date in 1878, Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” opened in London.
(It’s a holiday weekend. But “06880” never takes a break. We’re here for you 24/7/365 — 366, this leap year. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support us. Thank you!
=======================================================
A Westporter helps Westporters who help the world.
That was the theme of David Pogue’s telecast yesterday. He walked a few yards from his home, to Melissa and Doug Bernstein’s. There — with a “CBS Sunday Morning” camera crew — he interviewed the toy company co-founder about her lifelong battle with existential anguish and depression.
The Bernsteins’ new project — Lifelines — is an ecosystem for mental health support, resources and education. Pogue brought their work to a national television audience. Click below for that very important report.
=======================================================
The Cottage is expanding.
Brian Lewis — chef/owner of the very popular Colonial Green restaurant (and OKO, on Wilton Road) is opening another Cottage in Greenwich.
The 49 Greenwich Avenue spot will seat over 60. As in Westport, it will celebrate seasonal ingredients, sourced from local purveyors and farmers. The Cottage Greenwich is slated to open later this year.
“We’ve always looked forward to the day that we can bring The Cottage to a new market after being so blessed with our devoted clientele and hardworking team in Westport,” says Lewis.
“As we experienced such continued support during COVID and after 6 successful years in Westport, the time was right to grow and find a sister location to complement the original Cottage.”
=======================================================
And finally … well, it’s March 15, so beware!
Posted in Local business, Media, Restaurants
Tagged Brian Lewis, CBS "Sunday Morning", David Pogue, Melissa & Doug, Melissa Bernstein, The Cottage
The 3 restaurants — one Japanese-inspired, another featuring tacos, the third specializing in meatballs — could not be more different.
But OKO, Bartaco and The Meatball Shop have already joined forces with valet parking. This Sunday (October 6), they’re collaborating on a family afternoon — for a great cause.
National Hall is the site of the 1st-ever Push Against Cancer Block Party. From 2 to 5 p.m. there’ s appetizers from all 3 spots, drinks courtesy of TUCK Gin, and fun activities like Cornhole and an obstacle course for kids and adults, thanks to Upper Deck Fitness.
National Hall and Upper Deck Fitness: the site of Sunday’s block party.
It all benefits the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps — the wonderful site in Ashford, Connecticut for children with life-threatening illnesses founded by Westport’s own Paul Newman.
OKO chef/owner Brian Lewis participated in this spring’s Push Against Cancer push-up contest at Staples High School — also a Hole in the Wall Gang fundraiser. He was so moved by what he learned that he offered OKO — or his other restaurant, The Cottage — for a future event.
PAC organizers Andy Berman and Sherry Jonas were happy to oblige.
Bartaco, The Meatball Shop, Upper Deck Fitness and National Hall’s landlord were equally eager to join in.
There’s a lot going on in Westport this weekend. But if you can, block out time for this great block party.
And yes, there’s plenty of parking.
(Tickets will he sold at the “door.” The cost is $40 per adult, $10 per child under age 12.)
Bartaco, OKO and the newly opened Meatball Shop are 3 very different restaurants.
But they share 2 things: popularity and parking.
The Mexican, Japanese and Italian-American spots are packed, for lunch and dinner. The National Hall and nearby parking lots are often full — especially during the day, when spots are reserved for employees of nearby offices.
There’s a parking deck across the street. But for various reasons — some people don’t like driving up the narrow ramp; crossing Wilton Road can be dicey; others may not even know it’s there — that option is underutilized.
The other day, representatives of the 3 restaurants sat together. Instantly, they agreed on a solution: valet parking.
The old Vigilant Firehouse on Wilton Road is now OKO restaurant. The Meatball Shop is behind is on the right; Bartaco is behind on the left. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Working together — and with the blessing of the new owner of the entire complex — they hired We Park, a Wilton-based firm.
Just as quickly, the service began. Valet parking is available 7 days a week, for lunch and dinner.
You don’t have to tell the valet what restaurant you’re going to. In fact, you don’t have to eat at all. The service is there if you just want to stroll along the boardwalk, admiring the river and lights.
A beautiful boardwalk connects OKO, The Meatball Shop and Bartaco. (Photo by Anne Hardy)
“We’re all in this together,” says Brian Lewis, owner of OKO. “We want everyone who comes here to feel our hospitality. We all have the same goals: to take care of our guests. Whatever brings people here is good for all of us.”
He says that — like the other owners — he appreciates (and dines at) the nearby restaurants.
The owners appreciate too the receptiveness of the new National Hall owners. They’ve already repainted the lines in the parking lot, and added directional signs.
Coming soon: More signs for the valet service.
Though probably not in Spanish, Japanese or Italian.
Posted in Downtown, Local business, People, Real estate, Restaurants
Tagged Bartaco, Brian Lewis, OKO, The Meatball Shop, We Park
There’s always something going on at Wakeman Town Farm.
Last night, for example, Tim’s Kitchen was the site of an intimate chefs’ dinner.
Brian Lewis — chef/owner of the wildly popular Cottage and OKO — hosted the event, as part of a sold-out series.
What the guests didn’t know is that one of the dishes on the menu — English pea sachetti with robiola cheese, lemon brown butter and sage crumbs — was the same one Lewis had cooked when he taped “Beat Bobby Flay.”
Brian Lewis, cooking last night at Wakeman Town Farm …
And the episode aired that very night.
So as guests enjoyed their great meal, the rest of America was watching Chef Lewis go head to head with Bobby Flay.
Dessert included viewing the competition on TV.
The icing on the cake: Lewis won!
… and on TV.
“06880” is pleased to pass on this very tasty tidbit.
(Hat tip: Christy Colasurdo)
Posted in Media, Organizations, People, Restaurants
Tagged Beat Bobby Flay, Brian Lewis, OKO restaurant, The Cottage restaurant, Wakeman Town Farm
To earn an “excellent” review from New York Times critic Patricia Brooks, a restaurant basically has to be perfect. That means a spectacular menu, an uber-creative chef, flawless presentation and service. The bathrooms should probably be beautiful too.
But Brooks has just given an exceptionally rare “excellent” rating to The Cottage.
In tomorrow’s New York Times, she raves that the “small, cozy and very homey” Colonial Green eatery — the successor to Le Farm — boasts a menu “far more sophisticated than its simple setting would suggest.”
Brooks and her companions did not have “any disappointments, at either dinner or brunch.”
A cozy table, at The Cottage.
She says there were “too many high points at dinner to mention” — perhaps the highest praise she has given any restaurant.
“There were so many appealing choices, and too little time,” Brooks laments. She adores — among chef/owner Brian Lewis’ dishes — appetizers like crunchy tuna, Chioggia beets and Maine sea scallops; house-made pastas; cod and salmon entrees, and 4 “resoundingly ambrosial” desserts.
When Patricia Brooks gives a “very good” rating, restaurateurs can be set for life.
With this “excellent” review, you should call now — the day before the Times lands on your doorstep — for reservations. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait about as long you do for “Hamilton” tickets.
(Click here to read Patricia Brooks’ full story. Hat tip: John Karrel)
Posted in Media, People, Restaurants
Tagged Brian Lewis, New York Times, Patricia Brooks, The Cottage restaurant
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)