Tag Archives: Riko’s

Roundup: Crepes Choupette, La Plage, Riko’s …

Westport’s newest restaurant — Crêpes Choupette — opened Wednesday in Bedford Square, to eager crowds.

The crêperie –owner Adil Chokairy’s third, after New Haven and Darien — adds one more international cuisine to Church Lane.

It’s a couple of doors down from an Israeli restaurant (The Blondinit), and across the street from Pink Sumo (sushi) and the Spotted Horse (American).

Choupette ribbon cutting … (Photo courtesy of Sam Disraelly)

… and customers inside. (Photo/Karen Como)

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Club203 — Westport’s social group for adults with developmental differences — held a great Halloween Bingo night Wednesday at the Senior Center.

Nearly 140 guests played (many in Halloween costumes). They enjoyed subs from Planet Pizza, cookies by Big G, mac & cheese thanks to the Senior Center’s own Holly Betts, pumpkin decorating by MoCA CT, and tons of candy from an anonymous donor.

Club203 thanks Wendy Petty and the Senior Center for hosting, along with the volunteers  who give time, energy and talents — plus a special shout-out to special guests Fire Chief Nick Marsan and the Westport Fire Department’s Jennifer Petrosinelli, who shared information about the town’s Community Connect program. It provides household information to first responders — including, for example, details about people with disabilities who live there.

Club203 bingo, at the Senior Center.

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Speaking of the Fire Department: They’ve partnered once again with Bridgeport Rescue Mission, for the annual “Share the Warmth” Coat Drive.

Chief Nick Marsan notes, “This drive impacts hundreds of men, women and children from some of the area’s most distressed neighborhoods. A coat may seem simple, but it’s essential for many children and adults in nearby communities.”

 The WFD welcomes donations of new or gently used (and clean) winter coats, hats, mittens/gloves, and snow suits at these sites, through November 12:

  • Westport Fire Headquarters (515 Post Road East)
  • Senior Center: (21 Imperial Avenue)
  • Town Hall (110 Myrtle Avenue)

Collection boxes will also be placed at public schools. Once collected, Westport firefighters will sort and transport items to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

Deputy Fire Marshal Rob Lenois, president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation, says, “This drive allows us to give back and ease the burdens on local families. Last year, thanks to the generosity of this community, we distributed over 1,350 coats.”

(From left): Fire Chief Nick Marsan, volunteer Anna Rycenga and Deputy Fire Marshal Rob Lenois want your winter coats, and more. 

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Want to learn more about the influence of social media on today’s youth?

Westport Together — a program of our town’s Department of Human Services — has arranged a conversation on the topic, with local psychotherapists Vince Benevento, LPC Founder and CEO of Causeway Collaborative, and Mary Dobson.

It’s this Tuesday (October 22, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library). For more information, click here.

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As the weather gets colder, Earthplace heats up.

Among the activities:

  • Plein-Air Art Along the Trails (October 19, 10 a.m. to noon)
  • Tree ID Walk (October 19, 1 to 2:30 p.m.)
  • Yoga with Alison Heisler (October 25 and November 1, 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.)
  • Forest Bathing with Merritt Juliano (October 30, 10 to 11 a.m.)
  • Fall Gardening Workshops (November 2, 1 to 3 p.m.)’Car
  • Guided Meditation with Alison Heisler (November 4, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.)
  • Sound Bath with Abbey Chase Yoga (November 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m.)
  • Craft and Sip: Fall Wreath Making (November 2, 1 to 3 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m.)
  • Environmental Learning Series (November 2, 7 to 8 p.m.)
  • Native Plant Propagation (November 16, 1 to 3 p.m.)
  • Saving an Endangered Butterfly (November 21, 7 to 8 p.m.).

Click here for more information, and registration.

Create your own art along the Earthplace trails.

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La Plage’s patio is closing for the season soon.

To celebrate — and to get an early start on Halloween — they’re throwing a “Costume & Closing Party” (Sunday, October 27, 5 to 7 p.m.).

The $39.19 ticket includes light bites, music, and 2 drink tickets.

“Dress to impress,” the Longshore restaurant urges. The “Best Costume” winner will receive 2 tickets to La Plage’s New Year’s Eve gala dinner — a $370 value. Click here to purchase.

Closing soon — but just for the season. (Photo/Nicole Donovan)

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Speaking (once again) of restaurants: Back in May, “06880” announced the upcoming opening of Riko’s. The pizza place — which has drawn raves at their Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien and Stamford locations — replaces Mystic Market, off I-95 Exit 17 across from the train station parking lot.

(Mystic Market replaced, in turn, Blu Parrot, Jasmine, and the granddaddy of all Italian restaurants, the Arrow.)

It’s taken nearly 5 months, but the signage has finally appeared:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

Now we wonder: Which will finish first: Renovations to Riko’s, or construction on nearby 95?

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A date has been set to celebrate the life of Tom Carey. The former Conservation Commission chair and Westport Rotary Club treasurer died Monday.

Tom’s many friends are invited to Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, October 26 (2 p.m.). A reception will follow.

Tom Carey

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Get a jump on holiday shopping — and support The Westport Library — next Thursday (October 24, 1 to 5:30 p.m.), at J.McLaughlin.

15% of all purchases made at the 382 Post Road East store will benefit the Library.

Library officials will be on hand to say thanks, and answer questions about the Library’s programs and events.

Busy that afternoon? Call 475-284-2495 that day, and order. Those purchases help the Library too!

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The weather the past couple of weeks has been spectacular. (Knock wood.)

The days are warm. The nights are crisp. The skies are blue.

Anyone who can has been outdoors, taking advantage of our wonderful New England autumn.

Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is always outside, no matter the weather. She too appreciates every minute of this perfect fall.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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This determined-looking guy was stalking Hales Road yesterday, like he owned the place:

(Photo/Drew Grega)

He did slow down long enough to pose for this “Westport … Naturally” photo.

Be careful out there!

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And finally … George C. Scott was born on this date, in 1927.

This final item in the “06880” Roundup is almost always dedicated to a musical selection.

Today is different. We honor the actor, who died in 1999 at 71, with a clip that may be the single greatest monologue in the history of movies.

(Want to know the latest restaurant news — or anything else, anywhere, in Westport? Just read “06880.” And if you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Roundup: Riko’s, Ducklings, Pools …

For decades, The Arrow was Westport’s go-to Italian restaurant.

Then — in shorter order — it became an Asian fusion eatery (Jasmine), a bar with music (Blu Parrot), and a food shop (Mystic Market).

Soon, it heads back to its roots.

Riko’s is the new tenant, on Charles Street near Saugatuck Avenue.

Featuring thin crust pies, including hot oil (think Colony Grille) and more, they’ve got 10 locations already, in Connecticut, Long Island, Massachusetts and Florida.

Area residents who know their Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien and Stamford restaurants rave about it.

Riko’s will be opening soon in Burlington, Vermont; Carolina Beach, North Carolina; and South Beach, Miami.

But the one in Saugatuck excites “06880” the most.

Coming soon. (Hat tip and photo/Dan Vener)

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Much of yesterday’s downtown action took place on Main Street, at the Fine Arts Festival.

But there was excitement on the other side of the Post Road too.

A mother duck had been sitting on her eggs, right there in the Tiffany flower box.

(Photo/Jamie Klein)

Passersby noticed, gawked, but gave her the privacy she needed.

Then, nearly a dozen ducklings hatched.

All of them — with Mom in the lead — got a police escort to the Saugatuck River.

(Photo/Lauren Siegert)

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Charlie Tirreno writes: “It’s nice to remember Nancy Coley on Memorial Day.

“She was in the Women’s Auxiliary of the VFW, and very involved creating the VFW float for many years.

“She used to hang a gigantic American flag over her lawn, and invite all the neighborhood for a cookout.

“People may also want to say their goodbyes to the Coley-Crossman house on Imperial Avenue, as it has a demolition notice on it.

“Her house is by the start of the parade route, at Saugatuck Elementary School. It’s 125 Riverside Avenue.”

The Coley-Crossman House at 125 Riverside Avenue, with a demolition notice. (Photo/Charlie Tirreno)

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While many Westporters enjoyed Compo Beach yesterday, Drew Angus headed west.

The singer/songwriter (and 2007 Staples High School graduate) opened for Mumford & Sons at the Greenwich Town Party.

The event was funded by Ray Dalio — who, as the founder of Bridgewater Associates, spent plenty of time in Westport — and other Greenwich residents.

But you didn’t have to brave I-95 yesterday to see Drew. He’s one of the featured musicians at Westport’s first-ever Soundview Summer Stroll.

Mark your calendars! It’s Sunday, July 28 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Soundview Drive — the beach exit road — will be closed to traffic. Besides music, there will be a photo booth, kids’ activities, food, and a great community vibe.

The Soundview Summer Stroll is co-sponsored by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association.

We — and Drew — will see you there!

Drew Angus (Hat tip and photo/Andrew Colabella)

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As the documentary “Below Surface” showed, AquaFit is much more than a pool fitness class.

The Westport Weston Family YMCA program is a true community. Members exercise together, form strong bonds, support each other — and support worthwhile causes too.

Yesterday morning, Sgt. Eduardo Hernandez — with 19 years of active duty in the US Army — addressed Patty Kondub’s class.

He thanked the AquaFitters, and VFW Post 399 Auxiliary — for their support.

Sgt. Eduardo Hernandez, on the pool deck with AquaFit instructors Patty Kondub and Joan Evon, and their Sunday class.

The Y has a collection box for energy bars, Gatorade, electrolytes blocks, beef jerky and water through June. It will be send to US Army Reserve Unit 411 Civil Affairs Battalion for their training at Fort Dix. Sgt. Hernandez commands the unit.

Donations can also be dropped off at, or sent to, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue through June.

During yesterday’s class, Ariel Levy (right, with her mother Doree) held up Patty Kondub’s signs, encouraging the AquaFitters.

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Uh oh.

The large Longshore pool was supposed to open yesterday. However, there is an issue with the filter that could require major repairs.

The goal is to have it fixed by June 24, when pool hours expand and lessons begin.

The other 2 small pools, for little kids, are open. (Hat tip: Michael Catarevas)

Michael Catarevas — shown here in 2021 — reports that the Longshore pool is closed. (Photo/Patrick Haggerty)

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If you missed the first showing of Homes with Hope’s 40th anniversary documentary: Don’t miss the next one.

It’s Sunday, June 9 (2 to 3:30 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall).

The free event showcases the non-profit’s 4 decades of housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and offering hope to neighbors whose lives are not as fortunate as others’.

Former Westporter Livio Sanchez’s documentary film uses interviews and archival material (including long-ago video), to trace Homes with Hope’s history, from a controversial concept (with plenty of NIMBY and it’s-not-our-problem opposition), through its move from a drafty firehouse to an old maintenance shed on Jesup Road (now the Gillespie Center), and its current array of multi-pronged programs.

Jim Gillespie’s family will be honored at the showing. He played a major role in the founding and development of the Interfaith Housing Association, the original iteration of Homes with Hope.

The Gillespie Center was named in his honor Dr. Gillespie, a clinical psychologist, was killed when struck by a car in France in 1988.

The Gillespie Center. Dr. Gillespie’s family will be on hand June 9, for the showing of a documentary on Homes with Hope’s first 40 years.

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Molly Alger does not want to be the skunk at today’s (Memorial Day) party.

But she — and many other Westporters — have noticed that the wood pile at the corner of Post Road East and Roseville Road continues to grow larger.

And more unsteady.

The once-neat piles are looking less orderly.

It’s tough enough navigating that stretch of Route 1, with all the construction. Now drivers have to creep past with one eye on the right side, hoping the logs won’t suddenly crash onto the road.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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Every Artists Collective of Westport’s pop-up show is different. But the receptions are always the same: energetic, educational and fun.

The next one is June 11 (6 to 8 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn).

In addition to a wide array of great art, there’s food and entertainment (Chris Coogan on piano).

The exhibit then runs from June 12 to 15 (1 to 5 p.m). It ends with an artists’ talk June 15 (4 p.m.).

Featured artists include Robin Babbin, Lynn Carlson, Cris Dam. Laure Dunne, Carla Goldbert, Kathryn Gray, Jen Greely, Paul Larson, Nancy Moore, Tina Puckett, Ellen Schiffman and Tammy Winser.

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Speaking of art: Westport Collective member Janine White has a solo show now through July 11, at Silvermine Galleries in New Canaan. A reception is set for June 8 (5:30 p.m)..

Her work “harnesses home economics through kitchen chemistry and crafting, to critique ideas of domesticity.” Brown cooks all-natural bioplastics from ingredients found in a pantry, making material out of it, then crochets the pieces together.

Click here to learn more, and see examples of her work.

Janine Brown’s work.

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Johanna Keyser Rossi describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:

“This monarch butterfly hitched a ride in a man’s car.

“It landed on his shoulder and stayed there, as he went inside the Y.

“A worker gave it some sugar water. It seemed weak, or just needed a rest, she said.

“It stayed inside the Y for over an hour. The worker brought it outside and put it on a bush, hoping it was ready to fly away.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Richard Sherman died yesterday in Beverly Hills. He was 95.

You may not recognize the Oscar and Grammy Award winner.

But you sure know the songs he wrote. Click here for a full obituary.

(You know what would be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? If you’d click here to support “06880.” Mary Poppins, and your hyper-local blog, thank you.)