Tag Archives: Kneads Bakery

Roundup: Dandelion Restaurant, Motorcycle Ride, Rosenwaks Interview …

Posted on September 6, 2025 | 1 comment

Dandelion is ready to sprout, as our town’s next hot destination.

The restaurant inside the new Delamar Westport hotel previewed its stuff Thursday and Friday. There’s a private party tonight. Dandelion opens to the public on Tuesday (dinner only, at first).

The public will be very impressed.

From the stunning, ESH-ish design with a soaring ceiling and plenty of color, to the creative and very tasty Mediterranean menu — along with meticulous attention to small details, and an attractive, large bar — Dandelion will fill both a culinary niche, and a social one.

Hotel restaurants are seldom destinations for non-guests. This one will be.

It’s hard to describe the vibe that attendees felt during previews. But word of mouth will spread. Reservations will fill quickly.

Yet unlike dandelions in spring, this place continue to grow — beautifully — a long time.

Dandelion, before the first guests arrive. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Tomorrow’s (Sunday) CT United motorcycle ride will impact travel on Riverside Avenue, Wilton Road — and cross streets — from Exit 17 to the Wilton line.

The event — paying tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11 — is the largest motorcycle ride in the state.

It begins around 11:30 a.m. at Sherwood Island State Park. Hundreds of riders head south on I-95; take Exit 17, and then proceed to Wilton, and on through 7 towns before ending in Bridgeport.

The route is closed and continuous. With the assistance of a police escort, motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs.

Drivers should expect extended traffic delays along the route — potentially 45 minutes or longer. Alternate routes are recommended.

The start of the CT United ride, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Penny Pearlman)

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Yesterday’s “06880” Instagram Live interview with 1st selectman candidate David Rosenwaks went off — finally — without a technical hitch.

Nearly 200 followers tuned in, offering questions and comments as I spoke with the Independent Party candidate.

Topics ranged from his backgroudn and Westport activities, to his views on the biggest issues facing the town, and possible solutions.

Click here or below to see the interview.

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Connecticut households pay nearly twice the U.S. average for electricity.

But there’s help. Sustainable Westport offers resources to lower costs, and strengthen energy resilience and efficiency.

They include the new HeatSmart Westport program, and getting a Home Energy Solutions audit to take advantage of 30% federal tax credits for solar and battery storage, or rebates on electric vehicles and chargers.

Click here for a complete guide. Click here to read why Connecticut’s energy bills are so high.

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Speaking of the environment: On Thursday Morgan Veltri — who works in Westport, and is a 2025 graduate of East Stroudsburg University, with a degree in environmental studies — gave a talk at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center about spotted lanternflies.

She discussed how to recognize the invasive species, their impact, reporting, and prevention and management.

If you missed it — no problem. Just click here for her very informative slide show, and more information.

Morgan Veltri and …

… a spotted lanternfly.

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Speaking still of the environment: Oliver Nurseries hosts an “Autumn Evening in the Garden” (September 20, 5:30 p.m.), featuring Daniel and Brittany Moreno of Kneads Bakery.

Centered around “the intersection of food, nature and community,” the event includes seasonal food and drink, speakers, and a chance to experience the nursery’s grounds during the low light of the change of season.

Suzanne Lenzer will prepare recipes from her new release. Also on hand: James Calcagnini (mushroom farmer, forager and educator), and representatives from nOURish Bridgeport, the first non-profit hydroponic facility in the state.

Tickets are $150. Proceeds help nOURish Bridgeport bring fresh, healthy, local produce to food insecure residents. Email trish@olivernurseries.com to reserve a spot.

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Bigelow Teas — the “Constant Comment” company founded by a Westport family — is headquartered in Fairfield.

But for decades they’ve given back to our town, and the rest of Fairfield County.

The 38th annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge (September 27, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Southport) is a great way for others to give back, too.

The day includes a 5K run and 2-mile walk (10 a.m.), plus a kids’ fun run (9 a.m.). There’s a “virtual run/walk” option too.

Registration includes a goodie bag and raffle ticket.

Last year’s event raised over $182,000 for a variety of local organizations. This year’s list includes the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Mercy Learning Center, Cardinal Shehan Center, Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County, Center for Family Justice, Connecticut Food Bank, Caroline House, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Norma Pfriem Breast Center, CT Challenge, Horizons at Greens Farms Academy and Pivot Ministries.

Click here to register, and for more information.

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A new school year has begun. So the next meeting of the Westport Book Shop’s Short Story Club (September 25, 6 p.m.) will focus on 3 stories about teachers and students.

  • “Prime” by Caoilinn Hughes
  • “A Way with Bea” by Shanteka Sigers
  • “Biology” by Kevin Wilson.

All are available at the Westport Library for printout, at the Book Shop in hard copy to borrow, or online. “Prime” is at granta.com; “Biology” at thesouthernreview.org; a reading of “A Way with Bea” can be heard on a symphonyspace.org Selected Shorts 2023 podcast.

Registration is required. Call 203-349-5141 or email  RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.

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We get a lot of sunset photos, for both our “Pic of the Day” and “Westport … Naturally.”

Sunrises — not so many. (It might have to do with the difference between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.)

But here’s a nice early morning shot, from Sherwood Island State Park:

(Photo/Todd Ehrlich)

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And finally … on this date in 1997, Elton John sang a new version of his 1973 song, “Candle in the Wind,” at the funeral of his friend, Princess Diana. Originally written to honor Marilyn Monroe, the lyrics were changed in tribute to the Princess of Wales, killed in an automobile accident a week earlier.

After a global audience of 2.5 billion watched the performance live broadcast, Elton released the song just one week later. Proceeds benefited Diana’s charities. He has never performed the Diana version of the song since.

(“06880” is your go-to source for news of traffic delays, invasive species, and much, much more. We could not do it without great support from our readers. Please click here to contribute. Thanks!)

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Posted in Environment, Local business, Local politics, Restaurants

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Saugatuck Business Owners Assess Hamlet’s Impact

Posted on May 24, 2025 | 19 comments

Many Westporters have weighed in on the Hamlet at Saugatuck — the retail/residential/hotel/marina complex proposed for the area near the railroad station and river.

We have not heard a lot from Saugatuck business owners and employees, however. “06880” intern Katherine Phelps reports:

The ROAN Ventures project could have a dramatic impact on our town’s original commercial center. Some restaurateurs and workers believe it will benefit them; others fear it will destroy all they have worked for.

Patrick Camaro, general manager of The Bridge at Saugatuck, is optimistic.

“It’s good for the area, it’s good for us, it’s good for business,” he says. 

The Bridge at Saugatuck opened last fall. 

Others fear the project could do more harm than good.

Paul Nessel, owner and butcher at Saugatuck Provisions, supports thoughtful development, but is skeptical about the project’s impact on local infrastructure.

“Traffic is already at a standstill coming through Saugatuck for several hours pretty much every day,” he says.

“If anything is wrong on 95 or the side roads, we’re really shut down. It hurts my business, and makes it hard for people to get through.” 

Parking and congestion are longstanding challenges in Saugatuck — issues critics say The Hamlet may worsen. Nonetheless, proponents argue that the developer is equipped to address them.

“ROAN can help figure out the traffic situation because they can hire engineers,” Camaro said. 

Charles Street traffic, at Railroad Place.

 

At the May 19 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, Fiona Flynn of SLR — representing the traffic planning side — noted that the state approval for traffic volume had already been cleared. 

Byron Alonso, an employee at Kneads, is passionate about the Hamlet development, specifically the long-term vision of the plan.

“I think it’s important to have better construction and the best future in Westport,” he says.

“So many people say it’s not good because we lose the natural elements and there will be traffic. But I agree with improving the future of Westport.” 

Still, numerous concerns persist — particularly, for restaurant owners, about traffic.

Congestion along Charles Street and Riverside Avenue is a longstanding issue that could be worsened by new development.

Bill Rizzuto, founder and owner of the restaurant that bears his name, adds, “Saugatuck already suffers from a significant parking shortage, especially in the evenings.

“Despite this, we continue to add capacity without adequately addressing infrastructure — particularly parking.” This impacts residents as well as visitors.  

Rizzuto’s’ parking lot is larger than most in the area.

When Rizzuto opened his restaurant in 2009 he struggled to secure a variance, because even his large lot did not meet required parking ratios.

In the 15 years since, Rizzuto says, while traffic is more dense, parking issues seem to have become less of an official priority.

Rizzuto notes that issues like those are crucial.

“If we want mixed-use developments in Saugatuck to thrive, we must put parking and access at the forefront of planning discussions,” the restaurant owner says.

“Ignoring these fundamentals risks undermining the long-term success of any project before it even begins.”

The debate over The Hamlet at Saugatuck — including its potential effects on parking, traffic and the impact on restaurants and businesses beyond its boundaries — continues next month.

The Flood & Erosion Control Board considers its wetlands application June 4  June 4 (7 p.m., Zoom; meeting ID 864 1571 7675; passcode 407757). The Planning & Zoning Commission is expected to again address the Hamlet at its June 9 meeting.

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Posted in Local business, Restaurants, Saugatuck

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Friday Flashback #387

Posted on February 23, 2024 | 12 comments

It may be hard to remember. And newcomers have no clue.

But the current look of Riverside Avenue, in the heart of Saugatuck, is less than 15 years old.

The redevelopment was not without controversy.

The block containing DeRosa’s restaurant, Westport Florists, Riverside Barber and Gault was demolished. So too was the building across the street, which housed a salon and restaurant, and a nearby former garage that was Doc’s Café.

Today, this is the block with The Whelk and an ice cream shop.

There have been changes in the past 15 years. The first butcher shop moved across the street; after various iterations, it’s now Saugatuck Provisions, part of Match Burger Lobster.

Saugatuck Sweets is gone. It will be replaced soon by an ice cream shop operated by Kneads Bakery across the street — which itself took over from Garelick & Herbs.

One kayak rental shop has come and gone. Another moved in.

Doc’s Café was a favorite coffee shop.

Westport has welcomed thousands of newcomers since the early 2010s. They have no memory of the “old” Saugatuck — which itself was only the latest incarnation of an area that was the first commercial center of Westport, in the mid-1800s, then became a thriving Italian neighborhood that gave our town so much of its character and history.

More change may come soon to Saugatuck. Meanwhile, this was the scene that Peter Barlow saw — and was surprised by — when he visited the town he grew up in, 14 long (and short) years ago:

Riverside Avenue, under construction in 2010. (Photo/Peter Barlow)

(“06880” chronicles the changes in Westport — in real time, and in this regular Friday feature. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Wind Storm, P&Z Resignation, Ice Cream …

Posted on December 18, 2023 | 8 comments

With winds and rain walloping the region, Eversource reported at 9 a.m. that 47 Westport customers were without power. That’s 0.37% of the town.

Among those in the dark: residents of Apache Trail, off Bayberry Lane.

Stephanie Moore Girling says she warned town officials and Eversource repeatedly about a tree leaning precariously near wires.

Her prediction came true: This storm brought it down.

Tree down on Apache Trail. (Photo/Stephanie Moore Girling)

Meanwhile, Weston reported 189 outages (4.8%).

Statewide, the number lacking electricity was 85,059– 6.5% of Eversource’s customers.

 

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Speaking of high winds:

They usually bring kite surfers to Compo’s South Beach.

Tammy Barry spotted this one yesterday, off Schlaet’s Point on Hillspoint Road:

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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For the second time since the Nov. 7 municipal election, the Planning and Zoning Commission is poised to appoint a new member to an open seat.

Amie Tesler, who was elected to a new, four-year term on the P&Z last month, has decided to step down.

The Republican told Westport Journal: “Family first, always. I have an amazing but demanding job. I respect my fellow commissioners and love this town but, alas, kids and work.”

According to LinkedIn, she is director of business development for Zebra.

The Republican Town Committee will recommend a replacement. the full P&Z will vote on that recommendation at tonight’s Zoom meeting.

Amie Tesler

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Here’s the scoop:

Yesterday marked the end of Saugatuck Sweets. The Riverside Avenue ice cream shop closed, after a 10-year run.

(Photo/Jason Stiber)

It will be replaced this spring by MOMU — another ice cream place. The name comes from the initials of the owners. They know the site well: They also own Kneads Bakery Café, across the street.

MOMU will make their ice cream fresh, in the store.

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The “06880” tagline is “Where Westport Meets the World.”

The other day, Westport met Tokyo.

Staples High School Class of 2008 graduate — and current resident — Galen Blumenthal recently returned from a business trip to Japan. He reports:

“On my first day in Tokyo, I met the local interpreters hired to support our discussions. It didn’t take long to realize one of the interpreters and I had something in common: We both attended Kings Highway Elementary School.

“Chie Sugano lived in Westport for a few years while her dad worked for IBM. She attended KHS ‘around first and second grades,’ lived on Rice’s Lane, and remembers the town fondly.

“She has lived in Tokyo since. She was excited to hear about the ‘06880’ tagline, and agreed we should share this story.”

Galen Blumenthal and Chie Sugano

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As traffic worsens this week — and you’re stuck at the Playhouse Square Post Road light (heading west) or the one at Compo Road (going east), look over at Winslow Park Animal Hospital.

As always, they offer a whimsical welcome to the holidays.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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A day before the storm, the Compo Beach “Westport … Naturally” scene — not far from yesterday’s kite surfer (story above) was sunny and serene:

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … in honor of today’s weather:

(“Weather” or not you realize it, “06880” relies on reader support. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

 

 

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Posted in Beach, Local business, Local politics, Weather

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Pics Of The Day #2336

Posted on September 10, 2023 | Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2336

Scenes from today’s downpour, and the flash floods that followed …

Post Road …

… and turning out of Playhouse Square … (Photos/Susan Garment)

… and Kneads Bakery (Photo/Michael Chait)

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Roundup: Politics, Penny Proskinitopoulos, Police …

Posted on July 20, 2023 | 4 comments

The Democratic Town Committee’s endorsed slate of candidates for November’s local election includes familiar names.

And a couple of new looks.

Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein and secretary Neil Phillips, Planning & Zoning Commission vice chair Paul Lebowitz, and Zoning Board of Appeals chair Jim Ezzes will all stand for re-election.

Danielle Dobin — chair of the P&Z — was nominated to run for the Board of Finance. She is in the middle of her current term, so if elected to the BOF would have to resign.

Nancie Dupier is moving from Westport due to a job change, and must vacate her seat on the Board of Finance. Because she made that announcement this week, the DTC must reconvene to interview candidates. A new nominee will be announced soon.

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When Dr. Parthena “Penny” Proskinitopoulos took over as the new principal of Coleytown Middle School yesterday, her commute scarcely changed.

For the past 2 years, she’s been an assistant principal at Staples High School, a mile or so south of her new post.

The appointment by superintendent of school Thomas Scarice was approved this week, by the Board of Education.

Proskinitopoulos’ career began in 2006, as a middle school social studies teacher in Fairfield. In 2014 she became a technology integration specialist. She then served one year as an interim assistant principal at Roger Ludlowe Middle School.

At Staples, she earned praise as administrator in charge of the Response to Intervention program. 

Proskinitopoulos earned a BA in psychology from St. John’s University, and a master’s of arts in teaching and 6th year diploma in educational leadership from Sacred Heart University. Her doctorate of educational leadership comes from the University of Bridgeport.

Dr. Penny Proskinitopoulos

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between July 12 and 18.

They issued the following citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 4 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Breach of peace: 1
  • Assault: 1
  • Larceny: 1
  • Engaging police in a pursuit: 1
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Improper use of markers, license or registration: 1
  • Improper tinted glass: 1
  • Failure to display lights: 1

One person was arrested for engaging police in a chase.

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Speaking of police: the Westport Department and Kneads Bakery Café Mill are partners in “Coffee with a Cop.” It’s next Wednesday (July 26, 8 to 9:30 a.m.), at Kneads on Riverside Avenue.

There are no speeches or agendas — just honest conversations about issues affecting our community,

What? No donuts?!

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It’s summertime. But learning never ends.

The Westport Public Schools and Teachers College Reading and Writing Project  at Columbia University are collaborating on 2 virtual sessions, for parents and caregivers. Both provide insights and tips on creating a love of reading and science.

“Fostering Future Scientists: Helping Your Kids Learn About the Natural World” is set for next Tuesday (July 25, 7 to 7:45 p.m., grades K-3; click here to register) and Wednesday, July 26 (7 to 7:45 p.m., grades 3-8; click here to register).

Sure, bees sting. But they do so much more. A free webinar will help kids learn about the natural world.

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Where is Westport headed?

It’s an existential question.

And also a literal one.

Robin Frank spotted these dueling signs at Myrtle Avenue and Main Street, near Town Hall:

 

(Photo/Robin Jaffee Frank)

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Westporter Dan Gross is a financial and economic journalist. Edmond Safra has been called “the greatest banker of his generation.”

Last year Gross — who, like Safra, traces his heritage to Syria — wrote “A Banker’s Journey: How Edmond J. Safra Built a Global Financial Network.” It traces the financier’s remarkable journey from Beirut to Milan, Sao Paolo, Geneva and New York.

Yesterday, Maria Maloof — a Lebanese journalist — interviewed Gross. Fellow Westporter Avi Kaner made the introduction.

Check out the translation at the bottom in the video below, to see how the story of the Lebanese Jewish banking titan was shared with the Arab world.

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It’s an all-ages “Kaleidoscope.”

The 1-day MoCA Westport exhibition (August 27, 12 to 4 p.m.), features works from “MoCA Gives Back Healing Arts” and Camp MoCA participants.

It’s a celebration of MoCA’s commitment to offer equitable access and meaningful experiences, including employment and access to the arts, to under-resourced community members.

Healing arts classes were led by MoCA instructors. Works reflect participants’ inspiration, joy and deeper connection to the world they experienced through the healing power of art.

Over 200 pieces of camper artwork will be displayed. All are being created at this summer’s camp.

There is a suggested donation of $10 per adult. For more information on MoCA Gives Back, Camp MoCA or Kaleidoscope, click here.

MoCA campers. (Photo/Isabelle Engelson)

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You never know what you’ll see in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Today it’s cattails, at Grace Salmon Park:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of the mixed messages at Myrtle and Main (story above):

(Like clockwork, here’s today’s Roundup. If you appreciate this daily feature — or any other part of “06880” — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Children, Economy, Education, Local politics, Police, Staples HS

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Fred Cantor: Seeing Westport Through SoCal Eyes

Posted on April 16, 2021 | 16 comments

“06880” readers know Fred Cantor as an avid commenter, with a keen eye for Westport’s history, and a passion for its present and future. He’s also a multi-talented writer, movie and play producer, and attorney

Fred Cantor (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

The 1971 Staples High School graduate has had health issues, so for the past few years he and his wife Debbie have spent winters in Southern California. They were there last year, when the pandemic (and his doctor’s advice) turned a few months’ stay into more than a year. It was the longest time he’d been away from Westport since moving here at age 10.

After 17 months, Fred and Debbie are back. Here’s what he sees.

The first thing that grabbed our attention coming off Exit 17 was the empty train station parking lot. We had read about the large number of people working at home, but that was an eye-opener.

Yet then, almost instantly, there were old welcome sights: the approach to the distinctive Cribari Bridge — with early signs of spring (daffodils in full bloom) — and just past the bridge, 19th-century homes with yards fronted by quintessential New England stone walls or wrought-iron fences.

Daffodils near the William F. Cribari Bridge.

I don’t think Debbie and I crossed a bridge over a river once in our area of SoCal— and certainly not a bridge on the National Register of Historic Places — even before the pandemic, when we did more driving. Southern California has much natural beauty, but in the area of Orange County where we rented, numerous rivers and streams are certainly not among them.

And historic 19th century homes — well, they did not exist there. Some of those towns were created in the 1960s or later.

Handsome home on Bridge Street.

Westport’s historic homes, stone walls, rivers and meandering tributaries — such as can be seen along Ford Road — are among the sights I missed the most.

The scene along Ford Road.

Forsythias blooming all around Westport were another “welcome home” sign; that too was much rarer in our part of SoCal.

Forsythia blooms outside a 1930 Imperial Avenue home.

Heading to the beach, I had to stop at Joey’s By The Shore at its new location. I hoped to see Joey after all this time. but he’s away.

Back in business: Joey’s by the Shore.

That reinforced my feelings that, while many of us embrace longtime local establishments, it is largely the proprietors we really have such warm feelings about. That was certainly true when the Nistico family switched its restaurant operation from the Arrow to the Red Barn.

Walking across the street to Old Mill Beach instantly reminded me why that has long been a personal favorite. It’s not only beautiful; it’s often serene, as exemplified by a couple quietly reading their iPad and newspaper on a nearly empty beach.

Old Mill Beach.

When I was away I stayed in touch with Westport friends via email, texts, social media, occasional phone calls and Zoom.

I followed local Westport news via “06880,” so in certain respects I didn’t feel 3,000 miles away from what was happening here.  By contrast, I vividly recall the summer of 1964. I was at camp in Pennsylvania, and learned of my Little League team winning the Minor League World Series a week after the fact, when I received a letter from my parents with a clipping from the Town Crier.

The most difficult thing about being so far away was not being able to see our 93- and 95-year-old moms. Daily phone calls and occasional FaceTime calls didn’t quite suffice.

So that first weekend back in town generated a teary reunion hug between Debbie and her mom. It was coupled with a culinary discovery: delicious mini-babka at the new Kneads Bakery, which we all enjoyed at their outdoor dining area.

Fred’s wife Debbie Silberstein, Debbie’s mother and aide, at Kneads Bakery. (All photos/Fred Cantor)

That first weekend back also generated our first experience with traffic. At 4 p.m. Saturday there was a big backup on Bridge Street toward Saugatuck. Traffic crawled on 95, spilling over onto local streets.

Other than on the single-lane canyon road leading to Laguna Beach, we never experienced major backups in SoCal. The main local roads have 3 lanes in each direction — with an additional two left-hand turn lanes at major intersections.

During that traffic tie-up on Bridge Street I witnessed an “only in Westport” moment (and something I had never seen in close to 60 years here). Moving right by the traffic on a highly unusual mode of transit were two cyclists on penny-farthings (you can look it up🤨).

Seeing that, I knew for sure I was back in Westport!

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Posted in Beach, Local business, Saugatuck, Westport life

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