Mexicue served its last chips, fajitas and margaritas this week.
The 2-old-restaurant — in the space previously occupied by Bobby Q’s and, before that, Onion Alley — struggled to fill the large dining room and patio.
Mexicue’s 2 New York locations (Midtown and NoMad), and the one in Stamford, remain open.
Empty tables at Mexicue.
The closing follows the apparent shutdown of 159 Main (the successor to Rye Ridge Deli and, before that, Oscar’s). A sign on the door said, “We are closing for a few days to carry out necessary upgrades.” But the interior has been dark, with no work being done.
Last night, the Zoning Board of Appeals discussed an appeal by 2 residents, contesting the Planning & Zoning Commission’s approval of former Planning & Zoning Department director Mary Young’s decision to sign a liquor permit application for Old Mill Grocery & Deli. The ZBA upheld the P&Z decision, unanimously.
A court case regarding the legality of regulation itself continues.
Alcohol may be added to Old Mill Grocery & Deli’s shelves. The issue is now in court.
Another Staples High School graduate is making news on Broadway.
“Cult of Love” — written by 1999 alum Leslye Headland — begins previews at the Helen Hayes Theater on November 20. Opening night is December 12.
This is not the 1999 alum’s first rodeo (or writing venture). It’s her final work in a series called “Seven Deadly Plays.” Inspired by the 7 deadly sins, this one is about pride. It was first staged in Los Angeles in 2018.
“Cult of Love” focuses on 4 adult children of one family and their partners, coming home for a contentious holiday gathering.
Headland has earned kudos as a playwright, screenwriter and director, with hits like the play and film “Bachelorette,” the movie “Sleeping With Other People” the Netflix comedy “Russian Doll” and the Disney+ series “The Acolyte.”
Click here for more information, and tickets. (Hat tip: Werner Liepolt)
“Preparing for College with ADHD: Understanding the Importance of Strengthening Executive Function Skills to Prepare for the College Environment” is the topic of a free webinar (December 5, 7 p.m.).
Stephanie Mitchell, who specializes in learning disabilities/ADHD/autism spectrum disorders boarding school and college advising, will explain key differences between high school and college, in terms of structure, expectations, support and accommodations; why executive functions are important to college success; how students can strength those skills, and more.
There is no cost, but registration is required (click here). The event is sponsored by S4 Study Skills.
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The Representative Town Meeting’s Environment and Health & Human Services Committees will meet by Zoom on November 25 (7:30 p.m.).
There is one agenda item: continuing a discussion about “concerns related to a potential artificial turf field being added to Long Lots School property during the new school construction.”
Spot On Vet opened recently, in the former Men’s Wearhouse (950 Post Road East). A grand opening is set for November 19 (6 to 8 p.m.).
The husband-and-wife team of Dr. Philip and Becky Putter — he’s a veterinarian; she’s a business expert — saw “a gap in the market for clients seeking top-tier customer service, comprehensive care, transparency, and advanced veterinary medicine for their pets.”
Spot On Vet offers emergency medical care; day care and boarding for sick, injured or recovering animals in “luxury accommodations” (well-lit cubicles with small beds).
Owners can watch their pets via camera. Pets can also listen to their favorite music or TV program.
Spot On Vet also offers dental care, a full pharmacy, facilities for major surgeries including orthopedic procedures, medical testing that often can’t be done in a regular veterinary office, physical therapy, and a valet service to pick up pets from home.
The Putters began in 2015, operating out of their living room with a single house-call van. Westport is their second location in Fairfield County.
And they still do house calls.
2- and 4-legged animals were all smiles at Spot On Vet’s ribbon cutting.
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Mexicue is turning Tuesdays into “All Day Happy Hour & Endless Tacos.’
For $25, guests get unlimited tacos, including:
Smoky Chicken with melted cheese, pickled onions, creamy chipotle and chili crisp salsa
Pulled Pork with fresh corn salsa, jack cheese, creamy chipotle and puffed quinoa
Avocado with black beans, corn salsa, salsa verde and cilantro
The Main Street restaurant also offers $10 house margaritas, $9 wine and $6 beers.
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Black holes are a crazy concept. And how better to learn about them than through an MIT expert?
Assistant professor Erin Kara will host a webinar titled “Black Hole Echoes: How We ‘See’ Curved Spacetime, on November 19 (8 p.m.). It’s part of the Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series.
The session will be interactive — though you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home, or go anywhere near a black hole itself.
Jen Greely sends this gorgeous “Westport … Naturally” photo …
… and writes: “My mood was buoyed last week by a new flush of rose blooms in the garden. Then I realized it is November, the leaves are off the trees, and this beauty is the result of daytime temps in the 80s.”
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And finally … we welcome our newest canine (and more) clinic, Spot On Vet, with this classic:
(Hey, dawg! If you like these daily Roundups — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In journalism, a “dog bites man” story is one that happens so frequently, it’s not really news.
Without downplaying its seriousness, that’s a good way to describe accidents at the Cross Highway/North Avenue intersection.
Another one took place yesterday at the poorly angled, difficult-to-see-past site. This one involved 2 vehicles, with injuries. The Westport Fire Department released a photo, but provided no other details.
Yesterday’s crash at Cross Highway and North Avenue. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
The Post Road/Wilton Road/Riverside Avenue intersection has been called Westport’s worst.
Coincidentally, Today’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast features 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker’s take on the recent public meeting on street improvement for traffic and pedestrian safety, and the increased Westport Police traffic safety enforcement program.
Click below to listen to this Y’s Men of Westport and Weston production.
Happy May! And happy return of the Westport Farmers’ Market!
Our favorite outdoor produce-and-much-more celebration returns to the Imperial Avenue parking lot May 11. It runs every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through early November.
This year promises to be the best in the market’s 17-year history. A variety of programs operating under their “who grows your food” banner will add even more community-inspired programs, vendors, sponsors and activities.
Vendors – WFM favorites and new faces – will hold to high standards of sustainable practices, including plastic-free packaging, and participate in other market-to-community efforts. Among them: Farmer-to-School-to-Community, Farmer Kids Community, Friend of the Market, Recipe, Farmer-to-Veterans, Get Growing, Farmer Fund, Young Shoots, and other programs focused on giving back.
This year’s lunch and music areas will be shaded and separated from the central shopping experience. The Westport Library will select musical guests, through Verso Studios.
Tickets for “Booked for the Evening” — the Westport Library’s big fundraiser — go on sale next Monday (May 8, 10 a.m.; click here).
This year’s guest is Laura Linney. The noted theater, film and television actor will be honored in the Trefz Forum on July 13.
Now in its 24th year, “Booked for the Evening” celebrates an individual whose work reflects the purpose of the Library: to nurture a love of learning, and enhance our understanding of the world.
Laura Linney
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Mexicue — the very popular new Main Street restaurant — has expanded both their menu and hours.
They’ve added dinner-focused “Platos Fuertes,” while at the same time opening for lunch 7 days a week. Their new hours are Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with brunch on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weekday happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m.
Updated hours below. We also just launched a new menu with several more dinner-focused “Platos Fuertes” – menu attached.
Mexicue is the newest addition to our “06880” Restaurants tab. Just click on at the top of our home page (or here), for a wide variety of local spots — including menus, websites and social media.
Speaking of restaurants: Is Emmy Squared coming to Westport?
CTBites — the state’s premier food blog, published by our very own Stephanie Webster — reports the “unconfirmed” news that the “iconic and much-loved” restaurant is looking for staff here.
Begun in Brooklyn in 2016, “they are known for their signature Detroit-style pizza, marked by its square shape, crispy bottom, fluffy dough, cheesy ‘frico’ crust, and signature sauce stripes.
“Their famed double-stack burger, Le Big Matt (served on a pretzel bun), was named ‘#1 Best Burger in Nashville’ by The Tennessean and Nashville Lifestyles, voted one of ‘The Best New Burgers In NYC’ by Gothamist, and listed as one of the ‘20 Best Burgers in NYC’ by The Infatuation. The menu also highlights a selection of approachable salads and sandwiches served on pretzel buns.”
There are now 8 location in New York, Nashville, Philadelphia, Washington and Louisville.”
In March, “06880” reported on Lynda Bluestein’s crusade. The longtime and very active member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport has terminal fallopian tube cancer. That month she reached a settlement with the state of Vermont, making her the first non-resident to take advantage of a law that allows people with terminal illnesses to end their own lives.
Yesterday, Governor Phil Scott signed a bill that removes the residency requirement from the state’s medical aid in dying law. Bluestein’s case prompted legislators to revise the law for all non-Vermonters. Click here for the full story.
Lynda Bluestein and her husband Paul. (Photo courtesy of NBC Connecticut)
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Westport resident Lee Bly’s home golf course is Longshore.
But on Sunday, at Stamford’s Sterling Farms, the 2007 Staples High School graduate had a hole-in-one. Playing with former classmate Carter Myers, Lee aced the 223-yard par 3 17th hole.
Congratulations, Lee!
Lee Bly, at his now-favorite hole.
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TAP Strength hosts a special Sound Bath Meditation Class tomorrow (Thursday, May 4, 7 to 8 p.m., 180 Post Road East).
Experience deep relaxation, enhanced mental focus, clarity and creativity through crystal and Tibetan bowls, gongs, chimes and other instruments.
Bring a mat and any other items to feel comfortable. Member and non-member class fees apply. Email nancy@tapstrength.com or call 203-292-9353 for more information.
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Jazz at the Post goes international this week.
Japanese pianist Hiroshi Yamazaki will be joined by Takashi Otsuka on bass, and Americans Jason Tiemann on drums and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” on sax.
There are 2 shows (7:30 and 8:45 p.m., Thursday, May 4; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399). Dinner service begins at 7.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Since moving here a couple of years ago, Shona Rhimes has become an avid Westporter.
Westport Lifestyle magazine caught up with our new neighbor, for their May issue. She describes how she chose our town, the buzz behind buying her house, what she’s up to now (a “Bridgerton” prequel) and more. Click here to read.
Shonda Rhimes, last year at the Westport Library. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)
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Once upon a time, you saw sights like this in Westport.
(Photo/Carl Addison Swanson)
You still see it in New York.
But — as Carl Addison Swanson, who spotted the sofa and sign on Richmondville Avenue — notes, “This may be the last free thing in Westport.”
And finally … Gordon Lightfoot died Monday in Toronto. He was 84.
Though never as popular in the US as in his native Canada — where he was a beloved icon — the folk singer was one of my all-time favorites. He had me with “Go Go Round” in the mid-1960s, and never let go.
(Every day, the “06880” Roundup is filled with news you can use [or not — your choice]. If you enjoy this feature, please consider a contribution. Just click here — and thank you!)
Westporters waited eagerly for Casa Me to open. The Italian restaurant in Sconset Square is now serving satisfied diners.
We waited for Saugatuck Provisions too. It sold its first steak, pork (and pasta) on Tuesday.
But several highly anticipated openings seem to have stalled. We’re twiddling our thumbs waiting for …
Amazon Fresh. The innovative grocery store — just pick up your stuff and walk out (after scanning your app, of course) — has not been worked on in months. The place looks abandoned (a very un-Amazon-like description).
Way back in February, The Original Pancake House announced a summer opening. They said they’d take over the 2nd floor space formerly occupied by Boca restaurant (and before that, Acqua). There are over 100 locations in 28 states and overseas. This will be the first in Connecticut. After months with no activity, it looks like work has finally begun. But there’s not even a “coming soon” link on the website.
In July, callers to a Post Road restaurant near Shearwater Coffee heard: “Hi! You’ve reached Pizza Lyfe, formerly Ignazio’s. We are remodeling, and will be back soon!” “Soon” is still on its website. Hungry potential diners wonder what’s taking so long. It was already set up as a pizza place, right?
Meanwhile, there is good news about Mexicue. The Main Street outpost of the New York, Washington and Stamford restaurants, mixing “street food sensibility” with fine dining, was announced in February. Nine months later, the website promises a November 16 opening.
(“06880” is your regular source of restaurant and retail news. Please click here to support our work.)
Westport’s dining scene — which has been hot for a while — will be enhanced by the arrival of 3 new restaurants.
Mexicue adds to its 3 New York City, 2 Washington DC-area and 1 Stamford location when it opens at 38 Main Street, the site of the former Bobby Q’s and Onion Alley.
Casa Mi takes over from the old Le Penguin, in Sconset Square.
Further east, Tacombi moves into the property that for many years was AJ’s Farm Stand, near Stop & Shop.
All 3 will feature outdoor dining.
Casa Me opens soon, with tables fronting Sconset Square. Previous restaurants there had outdoor tables in an enclosed space, closer to the Post Road. (Photo/Dan Woog)
This month, the 1991 Staples High School graduate — and New York Times, Time and National Geographic photojournalist/Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur “genius grant” winner — is herself the focus of a well-deserved feature story.
Vanity Fair posts some of her most compelling photos, from Ukraine, Darfur, a US military hospital and more. Her insights into each make for riveting reading. Click here to see and read. (Hat tip: Bonnie Erickson)
Lynsey Addario captured this dramatic shot, of desperate Libyan refugees in a boat off the coast of Italy. (Photo/Lynsey Addario)
Yesterday’s heavy — and long-awaited — rain may have contributed to downed wires on Wilton Road. A large tree took down power lines and a transformer between River Lane and Rices Lane, around 8 p.m. Crews worked through the night to restore power.
Wilton Road, last night. (Photo copyright by Ted Horowitz)Dave Matlow reports that according to Eversource this morning, power had been restored to approximately 30 of the 144 customers affected by the outage.
Utility work continued this morning on Wilton Road. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
In June, the Staples boys lacrosse team beat Darien 12-3, winning their first-ever state championship.
This month, 12 congratulatory banners — one for each goal — are displayed on a dozen businesses around town.
You can see them at Angelina’s, ASF Sports & Outdoors, Baker Graphics, Calise’s, Cushman & Wakefield (Loft space, Main Street), Gaetano’s, Gold’s Deli, Layla’s Falafel, Parker Mansion, Redi-Cut Carpet & Rugs, The Porch @ Christie’s and Westport Hardware.
When the banners come down, they won’t be tossed or forgotten. On October 3, they’ll be raffled off at the Staples Lacrosse Association’s golf fundraiser. To learn more, call Willis Gay: 203-216-4937.
Calise’s Carmine Cenatiempo points proudly to the banner.
Trombone master Steve Davis headlines tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post.
The Grammy Award winner will be joined by New York musicians Jason Cottler, Rick Germanson and Jason Tiemann, plus Westport’s own “Jazz Rabbi” Greg Wall.
Shows on Thursday, September 8 (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 465 Saugatuck Avenue) at 7 and 8:30 p.m. Dinner service begins at 6:30. There’s a $10 cover. Reservations are strongly recommended: jazzatthepost@gmail.com.
Dr. Stephen Webb of the University of Portsmouth answers that question on September 20 (8 p.m.). It’s part of the Westport Astronomical Society’s free online science lecture series. Click here for the Zoom link; click here for the YouTube link.
CLASP Homes provides housing and support for people with autism and developmental disabilities.
On October 14 (Fairfield Theater Company, 7:30 p.m.), Band Central — a philanthropic organization that gives back to local charities through live musical events — headlines a CLASP fundraiser. “Flower Power: Music From the Generation of Love” features covers of songs from Buffalo Springfield, The Band, the Youngbloods, Doors, Sly & the Family Stone, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, CSN&Y and more.
The pre-arty starts at 6:30 p.m., with light bites and the chance to win cool stuff. Click here for tickets and more information.
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“Connectalent” is a bit of a mouthful.
So the full-service recruiting agency focused on “female and mom talent, has changed its name to FoundHer.
Co-founders Runa Knapp and Jasmine Silver — both Westport residents — say the name more accurately reflects their mission of “recruiting with purpose.” So far this year, 85% of placements have been of mothers returning to work.
John Hanley died peacefully Saturday, surrounded by his family. He was 31 years old.
Born in Norwalk to Terry and Dianne Hanley, he grew up in Shelton. He moved to his parents’ hometown of Westport for high school.
John played football for Shelton Pop Warner. He spent summers in Westport working with his father playing in the dirt, and learning how to run machines. As he grew older, he found his passion operating machinery of all types.
He worked as a heavy equipment operator with Burns Construction. He took great pride in his work, and joined Heavy Equipment Operators Local Union 478.
John enjoyed spending time with his family on his father’s boat, and at Longshore. He loved going to New York Giants games.
He also enjoyed discussing history and world issues, and never shied away from a good debate.
John’s family says, “his smile and charm lit up the room. He was always the life of the party.”
John’s survivors include his mother Dianne and stepfather Craig; father Terry and stepmother Marcy; sisters Celeste, Noelle and Hailey; brother Shawn; brothers-in-law Rene and Luis; nieces Jocelyn, Eyda and Stella; many aunts, uncles and cousins, and best friends Jack and Matt.
The family will receive friends tomorrow (Thursday, September 8, 4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). John’s funeral is Friday (September 9, 10 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.
Click here to leave online condolences. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to a charity of choice.
Molly Alger has a keen eye for nature. The other day she spotted a monarch butterfly, developing on milkweed. It’s one more example of our wonderful “Westport … Naturally” world.
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