Tag Archives: Chris Marcocci

Roundup: CT Bites, VFW New Year’s, Club203 Party …

The editor-in-chief of CTBites, Stephanie Webster, lived in Westport for many years.

But only 2 restaurants make the foodies’ webiste list of “Staff Picks for Top Eats of 2024.”

One is Casa Me. Webster writes:

Casa Me recently launched Sunday Brunch. If you don’t live in and around Westport you could miss this spot, but it’s quietly the hardest rez to get in Fairfield County.

One of my faves is a brunch item, Pane Dorato, made with Pandoro, the sweet Christmas bread from Verona. The sweet bread is perfect for french toast and he pairs this with cannoli creme, frutti di bosco compote and olive oil maple syrup. It’s what everyone needs on a Sunday morning.

Pane Dorato, at Casa Me.

The other is Allium Eatery. Managing editor Andrew Dominick says:

Michelle Greenfield’s French-ish, seasonal, creative menu is not to be missed. After a CRAZIES nomination for Best Chef, you best make a reservation, because the word is out about this once best kept secret.

Click here for the full story.

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Looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve before midnight?

Spacecat Brewing Company is sponsoring a “Beer & Burger Night.” It’s 5 to 8 p.m. tonight, at VFW Post 399.

There are Spacecat swag giveaways too. The perfect thing to bring to your midnight event. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

Happy New Year! (From 5 to 8 p.m., anyway).

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Yesterday’s Roundup reported that J. Crew is moving from 145 Main Street space, to 27 Main Street (former Pottery Barn).

However, the move is temporary. They’ll be there only during the renovation of their current store.

27 Main Street.

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The new year has not yet begun. But Club203 is ready.

Their first event of the season is Friday (January 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m.), at the Westport Dance Academy.

The evening includes martial arts with Sensi Pilardy and Club203 member Bella Rizzi; dancing with Judy Samuels; TikTok moves with Shea and Carly; ballet with XX, and art by MoCA.

Click here for more information on Club203, including registration information.

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Chris Marcocci — the former owner of Local to Market, and a noted and passionate Westporter — died at his home on Sunday.

After a career as a vice president of non-traditional revenue for iHeart (formerly Clear Channel) Radio in Tampa, he embarked on an entrepreneurial journey.

In 2005 Chris founded Streetmarc Advertising and Marketing in South Norwalk. He later moved the office in Westport, and adde branches in Florida and Pennsylvania. Streetmarc helped brands grow market share at the retail level, through consumer promotions and events.

Chris was also an adviser to the Food’N Bev Connect group. That inspired him to launch Local to Market, a concept retail store on Main Street, in the former Talbots and Remarkable Book Shop space.

Local To Market showcased Connecticut farms and food products, and local artisans and local musicians.

Chris enjoyed all that Westport offers, from beaches and sunsets to fishing and hanging out with friends.

His annual trip to Italy with his wife Rita was the highlight of his life.

He was also an avid scuba diver. and enjoyed live music events with his wife and friends.

A celebration of Chris’ life will take place in the next few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chris’ name to Mission Iconic Reefs, an underwater reef preservation entity; MoCA CT, or Homes with Hope.

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I know, I know: It’s New Year’s Eve, and there’s no snow on the ground.

But just a week ago was Christmas Eve. Here’s a very cool (and warm) “Westport … Naturally” shot, from outside Rick Benson’s window:

(Photo/Rick Benson)

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And finally … hit it, Guy!

(Our final reminder of 2024: If you’ve enjoyed “06880” all year, there is still time to support our work — and get a tax deduction to boot. Just click here. And, for the last time this year: Thank you!)

Book It! A Remarkable Local Market Story.

Remarkable!

The Remarkable Bookcycle — Westport’s free and mobile library, started by Jane Green (yes, the Jane Green) and now kept rolling by others — is back where it belongs.

In front of the old Remarkable Book Shop.

The 3-wheeled library pays homage — in color, logo and spirit — to the remarkable (upper and lowercase) store that sat, for 3 decades, happily on the corner of Main Street and Parker Harding Plaza.

Folks of all ages came from all over the area to sit in comfy chairs, read, and — yes — shop locally.

The Remarkable Book Shop then spent a few unhappy years as a Talbots. Now it’s back as a local shop — called, of course, Local to Market.

The Remarkable Bookcycle, outside Local to Market. (Photo/Chris Marcocci)

Westport’s little free library has left Compo Beach — where it summered — and Bedford Square, where it most recently resided. It’s now parked perfectly on the patio outside Local to Market.

Chris Marcocci, the owner of the food/coffee/gift/gift basket/and more shop — who gives a portion of sales to (of course) local charities == has agreed to keep the bookcycle fully stocked.

So drop on by. Pick up a book. Drop one off.

Then shop locally. Just as so many Westporters did at that same spot, for years.