In an ever-changing business landscape, there are a few Westport institutions:
Gault. Mitchells.
And Gold’s.
The Compo Shopping Center delicatessen hasn’t changed much in 65 years.
The food is still great. The staff is familiar and helpful.
And the décor — well, that’s not why you go there.
But it doesn’t hurt to look up, and see a giant pickle on the wall. (Click here to see.)
That was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. It was a no-brainer for a slew of “06880” readers.
Pat Saviano, Fred Cantor, Andrew Colabella, Seth Braunstein, Jack Backiel, Dave Eason, Craig Clark, Jamie Walsh, Bobbie Herman and Paul Cahill all knew exactly where to find that pickle.
And where, no doubt, it will still be 65 years from now.
This week’s Photo Challenge might be our toughest ever.
So here are a few hints:
Think about an outdoor winter activity.
One that’s often followed by hot chocolate.
In Westport, we do it by the shore.
We can do it alone, or with pals.
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
Luke Garvey is a frequent commenter on “06880.” I hope he doesn’t mind that I’m stealing this comment, which he posted on Facebook yesterday:
“Today I will hold a FREE snow shoveling class in my driveway. Join the class and learn about the proper ways to shovel.
“Techniques will include the scoop and throw method, the down and push method (aka the plow technique), as well as the upside down scraping technique.
“Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to enhance your snow lifting techniques without throwing your back out! I will provide the driveway and multiple walkways to ensure your training is conducted in real-life situations.
“I only ask that you bring your own shovel (ergonomic designs suggested). Spaces are limited, and on a first-come, first-served basis.”
Earlier this month, Harris Falk showed off his own snow shoveling style.
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Matthew Mandell may have started a movement.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director heard that local restaurants were getting gouged by 3rd-party delivery apps like Uber Eats, Grubhub and Door Dash.
So he started a campaign, encouraging diners to order takeout instead — or at least call directly through a restaurant’s own phone line.
The idea has spread statewide.
The Hartford Courant reports that our Chamber’s “Order Direct/Pick It Up” initiative has been “picked up” by the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce. They represent businesses in Farmington, Bristol, Burlington, Wolcott, Plainville and Plymouth.
Click here for the full story — including quotes from Viva Zapata owner Bob O’Mahoney.
Speaking of food, here’s this morsel from Temple Israel:
On Wednesday (February 2, 7 p.m., Zoom), they’re sponsoring a tasty talk: “Deli Revival: American Judaism and the Return of Pickles and Pastrami.”
The promo says: “There has been a nostalgic resurgence of interest in the Jewish deli menu. In her book Beyond the Synagogue: Jewish Nostalgia as Religious Practice — a National Jewish Book Award finalist — Jewish studies Professor Rachel B. Gross examines how some restaurateurs are deliberately making American Jewish food fit for the 21st century.”
The temple has partnered with Gold’s, Westport’s classic deli. Catered boxes celebrating the best of the Jewish deli scene will be available for pickup from Temple Israel on the afternoon of the event.
I usually don’t list events outside Westport, unless they involve a speaker from here. It would open the door to too many other requests.
But in light of the recent kerfuffle over racism — and the definition of it — in our town, a few events through Fairfield University’s Quick Center Open Visions Forum might be worth checking out. They include:
Tuesday, March 8 (7 p.m.): Michael Eric Dyson, Ph.D. and John H. McWhorter, Ph.D.: “Race, Liberty & Justice: Diverging Perspectives with Eyes on the Prize.” Click here for tickets and more information.
Wednesday, March 23 (7:30 p.m.): David Brooks: “Democracy: Choices and Challenges.” Click here for tickets and more information.
Thursday, April 28 (8 p.m.): Isabel Wilkerson: “CASTE: Examining Race, Culture, and Consequences.” Click here for tickets and more information.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows one of our most natural features (Gray’s Creek) from a less natural one (Longshore golf course). (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
And finally … if you watched “Get Back” on Disney+, you know that on this date in 1969, the Beatles gave their last public performance, on the roof of Apple Records in London. The concert was broken up by the police.
Staples High School Class of 1977 graduate Russ Gershon tried. Well, at least he visited his mother, and some of his old, ’70s-era stomping grounds.
Burr Farms Elementary School, the Westport Library, S&M Pizza, Remarkable Book Shop, Ye Olde Bridge Grille — all are now demolished, closed, relocated, or otherwise unrecognizable.
Burr Farms Elementary School then …(computer image by Steve Katz)
… and now.
Russ turned those memories into a clever, compelling video. Whether you remember the people (and making junior high jokes about “S&M Pizza”), or have absolutely no idea what Russ is talking about, you’ll love his film.
But the best part is his homage to a place that’s still around (and will be for the next 60 years too, god willing): Gold’s Deli.
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