Tag Archives: capuli restaurant

Roundup: Lynsey Addario, LA Dodgers, Levitt Pavilion …

Posted on March 28, 2025 | 2 comments

Yesterday’s Roundup reported that the Planning & Zoning Commission would review The Hamlet at Saugatuck on March 31. That agenda item has been canceled.

It will be discussed again at the P&Z’s April 7 meeting (Zoom and http://www.westportct.gov).

Meanwhile, the Board of Education meets April 3 (7 p.m., Staples cafeteria; livestreamed on www.westportct.gov).

The agenda includes the proposed new master schedule for Staples High School; the 2025-26 and 2026-27 district calendars, and a second reading of board policies regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Wednesday’s New York Times’ front-page photo of a sick child in Ukraine — and nearly a dozen more, over a 2-page spread — were shot by Lynsey Addario.

The Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur “genius grant” winner — and 1991 Staples graduate — also supplied the text and interviews accompanying each photo.

Addario has traveled to Ukraine many times from her London base. She has reported from hot spots around the world, and written a memoir called “It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War.” (Hat tip: Stacie Curran)

Lynsey Addario’s photo, on page 1 of Wednesday’s New York Times.

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15 current Representative Town Meeting members, and 1 former moderator, joined in the semi-annual RTM lunch yesterday, at Capuli.

The informal gathering celebrated the Great Westport Soup Contest. Guests chose lentil soup or Chowder (along with a sandwich).

Voting in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce contest ends Monday (March 31). Click here for details.

Soup’s on for the RTM, at Capuli.

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Ben Casparius picked up yesterday where he left off last fall.

The 2017 Staples High School grad — who became only the second pitcher in baseball history to make his first-ever MLB start in a World Series — pitched 1 inning of relief, int he Los Angeles Dodgers’ 5-4 win over the Detroit Tigers.

Casparius — who was picked 5th in the 2021 draft, out of the University of Connecticut — allowed 1 hit, struck out 1, and walked 1.

It was the season opener, at home, for the reigning champs.

Ben Casparius

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The Levitt Pavilion has just announced 2 new summer shows.

Michael Franti & Sprearhead — with opening act Allen Stone — are set for July 13 (5 p.m.).

Franti — also an activist, hotel owner (Soulshine Bali) and award-winning filmmaker — is renowned for his high-energy live shows, inspiring music, devotion to health and wellness, worldwide philanthropic efforts and the power of optimism. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Dogs in a Pile — the funk/jazz/rock/psychedelic quintet from Asbury Park, New Jersey — perform free on June 20 (7:30 p.m.). Click here to reserve a ticket.

Meanwhile, tickets are on sale for previously announced shows, including Pigeons Playing Ping Pong & the Infamous Stringdusters with Melt (June 1), Umphrey’s McGee (July 11) and I’m With Her, with Ken Pomeroy. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Michael Franti

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Westport firefighters responded yesterday afternoon to a motor vehicle crash on I-95 southbound near Exit 19.

Both a tractor trailer and pick-up truck were located down an embankment. The truck was heavily damaged, and partially underneath the tractor trailer, on its roof.

Firefighters from Westport and Fairfield brought the injured occupant up the embankment, using a basket and rope.

Tractor-trailer, on top of pickup truck.

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The kudos keep coming for the Staples High School boys basketball team.

The FCIAC champions have just won something else:  the Harold Swaffield Award.

It’s voted on by the Fairfield County Board of Approved Baksetball Officials, and is presented to a team that demonstrated a consistent level of good sportsmanship.

In addition, 2 Wreckers — junior Sam Clachko and senior Adam Udell– have been named to the All-State 1st and 2nd teams, respectively.

Congrats to all!

Good sportsmanship is not just for “losers.” The best team in the FCIAC also won a sportsmanship trophy.

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The Whiffenpoofs — “the world’s oldest and best-known collegiate a cappella group” — make the short trip from Yale University on April 12.

Their 5 p.m. concert at Christ & Holy Trinity Church includes a mixture of old tunes, jazz standards, and other hits from across the decades.

Tickets are $65, $55, $45, and $20 for anyone under 18. Click here to purchase. Some tickets may be available at the door.

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Front Row Seating $65 | Preferred Adult $55 and General Admission Adult $45 | General Children (18 and under) $20. Tickets available via our QR code. Tickets may be purchased at the door on the day subject to availability. Doors open at 4.30pm.

The Sorelle Gallery’s next show, featuring landscape paintings by Bri Custer, opens April 5. Light refreshments will be available.

The plein air painter explores perception, memory and color through the New England landscape. Her works will be displayed through April 26.

Bri Custer, with her work.

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In late March, these tree branches on Rayfield Road are bare.

Soon — like so many other “Westport … Naturally” scenes — they will look dramatically different.

Any day now …

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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And, speaking of “any day now” (item above):

(Any day now, you can support “06880.” Why not today?! Just click here, to make your tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Police, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS

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Unsung Heroes #177

Posted on February 3, 2021 | 3 comments

Plenty of people say they have faith in Westport. It’s a good town, they note. We’ve adapted to the coronavirus, and we’ll be even stronger once the pandemic is past.

It’s another thing entirely to put your money where your mouth is. (Or more accurately, where our mouths ae.)

At least 9 restaurants — Don Memo, Walrus Alley, Manna Toast, Hudson Malone, Organic Krush, Outpost Pizza, Mexica, Basso and Capuli — have opened in the 10 months since COVID completely upended the dining experience.

California-Mediterranean fusion is on the menu at Capuli, in the former Westport Pizzeria Post Road East space.

Think of it: At a time of capacity limits, fears of indoor seating, concerns whether anyone would eat outside in winter, and economic upheaval — added to the uncertainty and stress of the restaurant industry in “normal” times — these men and women planted their flag (and their food) here.

They’ve put both their money and their trust in us. They’ve given us many great dining options (and provided employment for many others.) That’s impressive.

Joining the newcomers as Unsung Heroes are all the restaurant owners who are adapting, innovating, and otherwise making it through these very tough times.

Jeera Thai, Ignazio’s, Rizzuto’s, The Cottage, Bistro du Soleil, Via Sforza, Tutti’s, Black Duck, Little Barn, Romanacci’s, Kawa Ni, Layla’s Falafel, Viva’s — they, and so many more, continue to serve great meals (and serve all of us).

So let’s do our share. Eat in or outside if you’re comfortable; take out if you’re not (they deliver!). Buy gift cards, for yourself or others.

And of course: Tip well!

Jeera Thai, downtown across from Design Within Reach., is one of Westport’s most flavorful restaurants. 

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Posted in Restaurants, Unsung Heroes

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Roundup: School Reopening, Seed Exchange, Leadership, More

Posted on January 20, 2021 | 7 comments

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Westport’s elementary and middle school open for full in-person on February 1.

A new Westport Public Schools website offers information on the transition. it includes details on schedules, specials, health and safety, lunch and recess, mitigation and hygiene strategies, classroom cohorts, special education, transportation, technology and more.

Click here for the elementary school page. Click here for the middle school page.

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Talented Westport photographer Ted Horowitz posted this photo to his Instagram this morning:

He took the shot years ago at sunrise, in the Lincoln Memorial.

“In the silence of dawn, with golden light reflecting on the statue, the  the sense of gravity and majesty was overwhelming,” he says.

“It was a hopeful moment, as morning light poured in and a  day dawned once again. I felt that this image was appropriate for today, as we seeking relief from the past 4 years, and are hopeful for the new day which is about to begin.”

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Next Thursday (January 28) is National Seed Exchange Day.

Stumped for a celebration? Head to the Westport Farmers’ Market. It’s (no coincidence) their annual seed exchange.

People can bring seeds saved from their gardens — or take home a few saved by others.

WFM farmers will donate seeds from their favorite crops for the community to try at home. All seeds except invasive species are welcome, but the market urges people to bring and take home heirloom or organic varieties. (Click here for a list of invasive plants.)

Heirloom seeds are critical to reclaiming the food system. They’re open-pollinated plants passed down from generation to generation, without human intervention or manipulation. They taste better, are more nutritious, and help protect plant diversity.

“Collecting, sharing, and growing seeds saved by our very own shoppers, farmers and vendors – especially heirloom varieties – involves the community personally in the promotion of local food and flora,” says Farmers’ Market executive director Lori Cochran-Dougall.

“This year more than ever we want to seed the year with love and health.”

The seed exchange runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — or until all seeds are shared —  on January 28th at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, 7 Sylvan Avenue.

Experts will be on hand to informally discuss the importance of seed saving.

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Yesterday’s mention of Capuli — the new restaurant in the old Westport Pizzeria location across from Bank of America — may have left the impression that it’s a pizza place.

It’s not.

The California-Mediterranean fusion menu — filled with healthy options — includes appetizers like chimichurri shrimp skewers and grilled octopus, and entrees like eggplant polenta Napoleon, pansotti, classic New York steak and California hamburger.

Click here for the mouth-watering lunch and dinner menus.

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Mike Hayes is a 20-year veteran of the Navy SEALs, with service in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. He had defense policy and strategy roles in the Bush and Obama administrations.

He’s got a master’s in public policy from Harvard, and is the author of an inspirational book, “Never Enough.”

Hayes is also a Westporter. And on February 4 (7 p.m.), he’ll share his thoughts on leadership with former Westport Library trustee Maggie Mudd.

He’ll talk about how decisions get made, particularly under duress; crisis management, conflict resolution and more. Leadership lessons are applicable to every walk of life, Mudd notes.

Click here to register for the free virtual program.

Mike Hayes

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And finally (and I do mean “finally”) …

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Posted in Downtown, Education, Environment, Library, Organizations, People, Politics, Restaurants

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Roundup: Capuli Restaurant, Suzuki Music, Starbucks, More

Posted on January 19, 2021 | 9 comments

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Despite the pandemic headwinds, new restaurants continue to open in Westport.

Don Memo, Walrus Alley, Manna Toast, Hudson Malone, Outpost Pizza and Basso have all opened their doors, despite restrictions on dining.

Yesterday, Capuli joined them.

Like its predecessors in the Post Road East space opposite Bank of America — Westport Pizzeria, and before that Joe’s Pizza and S&M Pizza — it will serve pies.

But the cuisine is called California-Mediterranean fusion, featuring “a variety of fresh ingredients, low in saturated fats, whole grains, seasonal vegetables, lean meats and seafood.”

They plan on primarily takeout meals at the start. Call 203-557-9340, or email capuli.westport@gmail.com for more information.

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The pandemic has also affected Suzuki Music Schools. But their classical music education and performance schedule has simply moved from Colonial Green to cyberspace.

The popular children’s “Pillow Concert” series returns January 24, and continues through spring. Family-friendly concerts give children a chance to be up close and personal with performers beyond the front row (and they’re encouraged to bring pillows to create seats at the artists’ feet).

Online master classes and interactive workshops will be conducted by widely acclaimed artists like violinists Rachel Barton Pine and Regina Carter. They’re open to audit for non-students for the first time (for a small suggested donation to the school).

The 4th annual Connecticut Guitar Festival returns March 5-7. It goes global virtually this year, featuring international artists. Attendees can tune check out Suzuki Schools’ social media pages every week leading up to the festival for discussions famed guitarists about how they’ve performed during the pandemic.

For more information on Suzuki Music Schools, click here.

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To celebrate Martin Luther King Day, the Westport Public Art Collections announced a series of small rotating exhibitions. They’re part of a larger initiative to support nondiscrimination in the arts.

The first — opening at Town Hall on February 1 — explores longtime Westporter Tracy Sugarman’s civil rights activities during the Freedom Summer of 1964 in Mississippi.

The artist-reporter wrote, “I was determined to bring back real images of real people and real places so everyone could see American apartheid for what it really was.”

Tracy Sugarman died in 2013, at 91. To learn more about him, click here.

“July and 100 Degrees in the Shade at the Sanctified Church for Freedom School Kids, Ruleville”

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Colin Livingston writes:

“Has anyone ever mentioned the overflow Post Road traffic at the Starbucks drive-thru?

“I can’t tell you how many time I’ve driven by and thought it’s an accident in the making. I snapped this the other day leaving the Bank of America ATM next door. I could barely see the approaching traffic.

“I’ve got nothing against Starbucks. I just don’t want to see anyone get hurt.”

Colin, the topic has been addressed before. This has been going on for months — ever since the pandemic began.

I am stupefied that anyone would sit in a car for so long at any drive-thru. It’s particularly mind-boggling because there is a perfectly good Starbucks a mile or so down the road, at Stop & Shop. The biggest line I’ve ever seen there is one person.

You could drive, park, get your coffee, drink it — and do all your grocery shopping — in the time you’d spend on that Post Road Line.

Of course, it would mean getting out of your car …

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And finally … Phil Spector — the influential record producer who went from creating the famous Wall of Sound to prison for the murder of a woman in his home — died Saturday, of complications from COVID. He was 81.

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Posted in Arts, Children, Downtown, Local business, Restaurants

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Roundup: Special Needs Siblings, New Restaurants, More

Posted on September 27, 2020 | 2 comments

When Connecticut moves into Phase 3 of reopening on October 8, restaurants can operate at 75 percent capacity. Right now, it’s 50 percent.

It’s a tough time to open a new spot. But 2 restaurants are trying.

Capuli — featuring “California-Mediterranean” cuisine — takes over the former Westport Pizzeria (and before that, Joe’s and S&M Pizza) Post Road East location, across from Design Within Reach.

Gabriele’s replaces Positano, next to the Westport Country Playhouse. That’s a storied locale. It’s been the site of The Dressing Room (Paul Newman and Michel Nischan’s venture), and other popular mainstays like Player’s Tavern.

Both openings are set for the fall. (Hat tips: Amy Schneider and WestportNow.)

Capuli comes here soon.

Colleen Palmer resigned in 2019, after 3 turbulent years as superintendent of schools.

She’s still in education. Today’s New York Times story on a population boom in small-town Vermont — driven by families escaping COVID in other states — includes this quote:

At the (private) Mountain School (at Winhall) there are 39 new students in a student body of 83, nearly all from what Colleen Palmer, the head of school, calls “Covid families.” They have brought with them, she said, “a real influx of terrific energy, enthusiasm, vitality, diversity.”

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Tracy Porosoff)

Colleen Palmer

Abilis — the non-profit that supports over 700 people with special needs, and their families — launches “Sibshops.”

The program is for children ages 10 to 14 who are siblings of someone with a disability. The fun workshops and events combine recreation, discussion and information, and are safe spaces to share ideas and feelings while meeting others in similar circumstances.

Participants enjoy recreational activities and play games, while learning about the services their brother or sister receives. Sibshops begins this Wednesday (September 30), and runs through December 16. Meetings are virtual, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Registration is $40 per child; the first 2 meetings are free. To register, click here. visit abilis.us/calendar. For more information, email schulte@abilis.us.

And finally … “Who By Fire” is Leonard Cohen’s 1974 version of the Hebrew prayer “Unetanneh Tokef,” chanted on Yom Kippur.

The prayer Cohen heard as a child in the synagogue describes God reviewing the Book of Life and deciding the fate of every soul for the year to come – who will live, who will die and how.

The Day of Atonement — the holiest in the Jewish religion — begins today at sundown.

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Posted in Children, Education, Organizations, People, Restaurants

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