Tag Archives: Sakura restaurant

Roundup: Sakura Trees, Senator Blumenthal, Tesla Cybertruck …

A year ago, 2 beautiful Japanese cherry blossom trees outside Sakura were slated to be cut down.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation wanted them gone, for sidewalk installation and lane expansion as part of the Post Road renovation project.

Representative Town Meeting member galvanized local politicians and others in support of the beloved trees.

Public Works Department, RTM, Westport Tree Board and Earthplace officials, plus Sakura’s owner and landowner, met with representatives from DOT and Eversource. The trees were saved.

This week, they were at peak blossom.

Present and former members of the RTM headed to Sakura, to honor the occasion.

Every Westporter who drives past the restaurant thanks them for their efforts.

FUN FACT: “Sakura” means “cherry blossom” in Japanese.

Standing at Sakura (from left): RTM members Harris Falk, Claudia Shaum, Andrew Colabella, Matthew Mandell, Don O’Day. Not pictured, but important to the effort: Louis Mall, Jay Keenan, Julie Whamond, Chris Tait, Seth Braunstein and Jimmy Izzo.

==================================================

Senator Richard Blumenthal was supposed to address the Sunrise Rotary Club in person at 8 a.m. yesterday, at Green’s Farms Church.

However, the Senate schedule kept him in Washington.

No problem! Rotary member Mark Mathias used his technical know-how to set up a remote appearance.

At 8:00 sharp, Blumenthal appeared on-screen. An audience of 80 people — members of both Westport Rotary Clubs, and guests — heard his takes on a variety of issues, including the need for quick approval of military aid to Ukraine.

Senator Blumenthal addresses Sunrise Rotary. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

==================================================

The Tesla Cybertruck that has drawn plenty of attention in Westport may be off the road for a while.

Tesla has recalled all 3,878 of the vehicles it produced from November 13 to December 4. An accelerator pedal can stick, leading to accidents. The cause for the defect was soap used as a lubricant at the Austin factory. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman) 

Tesla Cybertruck, last week on Hillspoint Road. (Photo/Karen Como)

==================================================

Today’s trivia: Knights of Columbus Council 3688 sponsor their 2nd annual Trivia Night next Saturday (April 27, 6 p.m., Assumption Church).

Prizes are not trivial: $250 first place; $150 restaurant gift card 2nd place. There are wine raffles, plus a silent auction, music and refreshments.

Tams can include up to 3 people. Categories include history, science, health and the Bible.

Tickets are $40; proceeds go to charity. Click here to purchase.

================================================

MoCA Westport’s next open mic night is this Friday (April 26, 6:30 p.m.). It features acoustic music, poetry, and slam poetry.

The public is invited to participate, or attend.

The event is free for members to watch or participate. General admission is $10; participation fee is $5. Click here for tickets.

Questions? Email isabelle@mocawestport.org.

==============================================

Last week, “06880” posted a delicious story on Mary Lou Roels.

The Westporter has developed a great business making (very) fresh jams and preserves.

Mary Lou is also an excellent artist.

She took a break yesterday from the kitchen. On a whim, she headed to Playhouse Square.

There — on the sidewalk outside the post office — she went to work:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Whatever she does, Mary Lou always manages to make it a fruitful day.

=================================================

Speaking of artists:  Herm Freeman — the Westport Book Shop’s artist exhibitor for February, whose works have been exhibited throughout the US and Europe for over 40 years — is one of 2 local artists whose “Kaleidoscope Eyes” show at Colorblends House & Spring Garden in Bridgeport has an artists’ reception today (Saturday, April 20, 3 to 6 p.m., 893 Clinton Avenue).

The other — Cris Dam — has produced the show.

They invite interested Westporters to stop by. “There’s tons of art, and thousands of tulips. It’s great family fun!” Herm says.

“Kaleidoscope” art

==================================================

Judging by the number of emails I get, Westporters are increasingly concerned about the number — and weight — of wires strung between utility poles.

They serve a variety of purposes: electricity, telephone, cable. But apparently it’s  lot easier to string new ones than replace outdated ones. There are a lot up there.

Alert “06880” reader Bob Weingarten spotted a utility worker yesterday, on Post Road East by Stop & Shop. Bob writes: “He must be wondering, which one do I connect?!

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

==================================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is a fierce one.

Anita Tucker Smith writes: “Our wooded yard on Roseville Road has a lot of daily wildlife visitors. But this one is special.

“We first spotted footprints in the 6-inch snow a few weeks ago. We then saw him 6 feet from our front door a few weeks later. We were all startled, and he zipped away.

“I finally managed a few pictures Saturday afternoon as we glanced out the living room windows, just before heading out to dinner.”

(Photo/Anita Tucker Smith)

==============================================

And finally … since today is 4/20:

(On 4/20 — and every other day of the year — “06880” is your hyper-local blog. And every day, we rely on readers like you. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Pic Of The Day #2186

Sakura blossoms (Photo/Bob Mitchell)

Roundup: Sakura Trees, Laura Linney, Owl Release …

Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup noted that several trees near Linxweiler House — on the Post Road between Fresh Market and McDonald’s — have been marked with pink tape.

Alert “06880” reader Andrew Colabella adds this information: “Those trees are proposed to be cut down for sidewalk installation and lane expansion.

“The state Department of Transportation also wants to cut down the 2 beautiful cherry blossom trees at Sakura.

“Want to save the Linxweiler trees, or have comments or concerns about the cherry blossom trees at Sakura? Email Joseph.Aiello@ct.gov.”

One of the trees possibly slated for removal near Sakura.

=======================================================

Sixty Artists Collective of Westport members recently received a 12-inch by 12-inch blank panel, and a 6-inch square section randomly selected from a single iconic music-themed painting.

Their assignment: Created an individual piece, replicating a part of the larger painting in their own style.

The catch: They would not know what the final painting would look like until it was revealed at an opening reception.

That reception came last night. A large crowd was there to see the finished, 10 foot-by-6 foot work.

The reveal!

Contributors include Miggs Burroughs, Katherine Ross, Michael Brennecke, Nina Bentley, Susan Fehlinger, Eric Chiang and Elizabeth DeVoll.

“Piece by Piece” runs is on display at the Library through May 9.

Westport Library director Bill Harmer addresses last night’s reception, before the reveal. (Photos/Dave Matlow)

======================================================

Speaking of the Library: Their 2023 “Booked for the Evening” honoree is …

… Laura Linney.

The award-winning theater, film and TV actress will appear in person at the annual gala on July 13. Tickets go on sale in May.

For 24 years, “Booked for the Evening” has highlighted someone whose work “reflects the purpose of the Library: to nurture a love of learning, and to enhance our understanding of the world.”

Library director Bill Harmer says: “Laura Linney is not only one of the great actresses of her generation; she is also a lifelong supporter of the power of the arts and creativity, a humanitarian lauded for her work on behalf of cancer patients and their families, and a champion for women in film.”

Her film credits include Genius, Nocturnal Animals, Mr. Holmes, Kinsey, You Can Count on Me, Mystic River, Love Actually, and The Truman Show. Among her Broadway productions are The Crucible, Time Stands Still, Sight Unseen, and Six Degrees of Separation. On television she has starred in The Big C and the mini-series John Adams, as well as Tales of the City and Frasier. She currently stars as Wendy Byrde in Ozark, a role for which she has earned Emmy and SAG Award nominations.

Linney has been nominated for 3 Academy Award, 5 Tonys, and 8 Golden Globes.

Linney holds honorary doctorates from her alma maters, Brown University and The Julliard School. She has been honored for her work in cancer advocacy, and speaks often on reconsidering the arts as essential for success, easing the pain of cancer, finding beauty in tragedy, and navigating gender inequality in the film industry.

Previous “Booked” recipients include Shonda Rhimes, Tom Brokaw, E.L. Doctorow, Calvin Trillin, Wendy Wasserstein, Pete Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Halberstam, Oscar Hijuelos, Adam Gopnik, Will Shortz, Patti Smith, Barry Levinson, Jon Meacham, Nile Rodgers, Lynsey Addario, Ron Chernow, Alan Alda, Justin Paul, Frederic Chiu and Itzhak Perlman.

Laura Linney

=======================================================

Leonard Schine Aspetuck Land Trust Preserve on Weston Road was the site of a majestic owl release on Sunday.

Three barred owls — all found injured in Westport over the past two months — were freed. Joint rescues had been performed by the Westport Police Department and Animal Control. They were transported to Wildlife in Crisis for rehabilitation.

Animal Control officer Peter Reid says, “It is common for owls to be struck by cars at night. They often hunt in the ‘edge habitat’ by the roadside. Once they are on their glide path, they have little peripheral awareness of approaching cars.

“They can also be dazzled by headlights, become disoriented, and side-slip into a car. Fortunately these 3 suffered only minor injuries — head trauma and concussion — and were ready for release fairly quickly.

“This species is an early nester. They are courting right now, so the release gives these owls a chance to get back into the owl dating pool.

“One of the barred owls was from Partrick Road, one from Compo Road North by Winslow Park, and one from Bayberry. The Weston Road property was a good central release point, and relatively close to their points of origin, as the owl flies.”

Three WPD members helped with the release: Chief Foti Koskinas, Lieutenant Matthew Gouveia and Officer Dominique Carr.

Also involved: Reid’s wife Dara, director of Wildlife in Crisis, and their resident owl expert.

Officer Dominique Carr, with rescued owl.

=======================================================

The theme for this year’s Memorial Day parade is: “Veterans Serving the Community.”

Certificates will be awarded in 6 categories: Best Development of Theme, Best Youth Organization Float, Most Creative, Best Community Organization, Most Colorful, and the Best Overall Float.

Groups should concentrate on the first 5. The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston have won the last 2,2462 “Best Overall Float” competitions, dating back to the Peloponnessian War.

The Memorial Day parade steps off on Monday, May 29 at 9 a.m.

The Y’s Men’s 2021 award-winning Memorial Day float. (Photo/Dan Woog)

=======================================================

Rick Kalmans was concerned about the slow pace of reconstruction on the Bayberry Lane bridge.

He contacted town engineer Keith Wilberg. He quickly responded:

“The construction of the bridge is now in the phase called the Connecticut Department of Transportation shutdown period, from December 1 through March 31.

“That doesn’t mean that no work can be done in that period, but the nature of the work tends to be limited.

“Also, as asphalt plants have closed for the season as of the second week in December, we cannot reconstruct and pave the roadway until they open. That will most likely be at the end of March, give or take.

“The contractor has about a month’s worth of work left to finish, so my estimate is that they will be done by the end of April. The ‘on paper’ finish date is the end May 31. It is my belief they will be done and have the road open long before that, again, end of April.”

Fingers crossed …

(Photo/Bill Dedman)

======================================================

Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests last week.

One was for violation of condition of release (after being charged with disorderly conduct, and failure to appear.

One was for larceny and identity theft, after a fraudulent withdrawal from Webster Bank.

One was for criminal attempt of larceny and identity theft, after a fraudulent withdrawal from a bank account.

Another arrest was for failure to appear.

The Police Department’s system still cannot report citations issued.

======================================================

The Democratic Women of Westport celebrate Women’s History Month with a special panel: “Women Leading in CT: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.”

The event (March 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club) features Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas (a Norwalk resident), former PepsiCo senior vice president Lori Tauber Marcus, Staples High School senior (and National Merit Semifinalist) Lilly Weisz, and League of Women Voters president Laura Smits.

The event is free. Light refreshments and wine will be served.

Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas.

====================================================

Longtime Westporter Carol Frawley died Saturday at St. Joseph’s Manor, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness. She was 86.

The Norwalk native was employed part time as a cashier at Peter’s Bridge Market when her children were in school. She also enjoyed working weekends at Planter’s Barn in Darien and Geiger’s Nursery in Westport, where she indulged in her love of plants and flowers, and shared her knowledge.

In 1977 she joined Pepperidge Farms’ headquarters in Norwalk, and stayed until she retired.

She was a lifetime member of VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 Ladies Auxiliary.

She is survived by her children Colleen (Edward) Mezerewski of Shelton, Debbie (Philip) Grabell of Milford, William of Shelton, Edward (Karen) of Milford, Michael (Stephanie) of Westport, James (Donna) of Fairfield; grandchildren Casey (Trinh) Mezerewski, Colby (Glendys ) Mezerewski, Jacob (Rachel) Grabell, Nicole (Thomas) Cadigan, Helen Frawley, Alex Frawley, Kyle (Elicia) Frawley, Katie (Scott) Frawley, Kenzie Frawley and Kieran Frawley, and great-grandchildren Trinity, Edward, Leia and Ethan Mezerewski, Kaylie, Adriana and Logan Mezerewski, Charlotte and Chase Cadigan, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Harold, andsisters Marcella Palinkas of Oklahoma, Georgianna Bolton of Norwalk and Joan Goulart of Norwalk.

Funeral arrangements will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carol’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

======================================================

As spring nears, here’s a “Westport … Naturally” look back a couple of weeks:

(Photo/Richard Abramowitz)

======================================================

And finally … speaking of owls (see story above), Canned Head’s co-founder, co-lead singer, guitarist, harmonica player and primary composer was Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson. (It was either this, or a “Who” reference…)

(Today — like every day — “06880” rounds up every bit of news, big and tiny. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Menu Moments: What To Eat At Sakura

For over 30 years, Sakura has been a Westport favorite. It’s a go-to place for celebrations, from birthdays and graduations to family reunions. Kids never tire of the hibachi tables, while the tatami rooms in back are great for private dining.

But for many Westporters, Japanese food can still be difficult to figure out. As part of “06880”‘s continuing series on healthy eating, Dietician Heather Bauer offers tips on the best dishes to order at the Post Road landmark.

Hibachi Recommendations

  • Start with onion soup or salad (if you order salad, use ½ dressing)

Entree:

  • Choose shrimp or chicken as your protein, and enjoy the veggies. The oil/sauce entree is cooked in and will count as your carb, so try to skip the rice at this meal. Also, avoid the extra dipping sauces they give you on the side.
  • Alternative: Order the sushi recommendations below at the hibachi table.

Sushi Recommendations

Appetizer (select one):

  • Miso soup (if you are not salt-sensitive)
  • Mixed green salad (with a half-serving of ginger dressing)
  • Edamame (share)
  • Seaweed salad

Entree (choose one):

  • Order your favorite roll Naruto style (wrapped in cucumber instead of rice). I love tuna/avocado, yellowtail/jalapeno or salmon/avocado. You can also order 1 hand roll of your choice (optional request: use cucumber instead of rice).
  • 6-piece maki roll (request to be cut into 8 pieces; this helps slow you down), with 4 pieces of sashimi.
  • 6 pieces of sashimi, and a side order of oshitashi (spinach).
  • Chirashi sushi (comes with 6 pieces of sashimi over steamed rice; eat one-quarter to one-half of the rice; leave the rest over. This is a great option for naturally slower eaters).
  • Chicken or salmon teriyaki, with double steamed veggies (skip the rice, as the sauce counts as your carb here. This is a great option for anyone who does not like sushi).

Things to Avoid

  • Tempura, spider, dynamite, spicy rolls and eel.
  • Dishes described as Agemono or tempura; both are deep-fried.
  • Sushi rolls made with cream cheese and too much avocado.

Additional Notes

  • Look for rolls wrapped in cucumber instead of rice (Naruto style).
  • Order your maki roll (usually 6 pieces) to be cut into 8 pieces; this helps you take smaller bites. Also, ordering rolls inside out adds more rice (better with the seaweed on the outside).
  • If you switch your roll from white to brown rice you add fiber, which makes it more filling. Note: brown and white rice calories are about the same.
  • Edamame usually comes salted; it is soybeans, so this works best for vegetarians or slower eaters who will only have a few pieces. If you are a fast eater and not good at sharing food, don’t start the edamame until there is a quarter or half left (in case you have trouble stopping!).
  • You can also always sub the rice in a hand roll for cucumber or other veggies.
  • Always request lite soy sauce. Add wasabi and ice cubes to help dilute it. No refills!
  • Eating with chopsticks helps slow you down.
  • Be careful with sake. It has more calories than you realize. Six ounces of sake is about 240 calories (there are 150 calories in 6 ounces of wine).

It all looks great. But some options at Sakura are healthier than others.

Friday Flashback #33

It’s been nearly 3 years since Westport’s Boat Locker sailed off for Bridgeport. But owner Scott Hardy still proudly displays a mid-1980s poster of his home town.

The other day, Jeff Manchester was in the store. He’s a 1980s Westport guy himself — a former Staples wrestling star, now back here raising his own family.

The poster brought back many memories: Soup’s On, Party Barn, Allen’s Clam House, Pancho Villa’s, DeRosa’s, Ships, Westport Bank & Trust.

Some of the businesses — Mitchell’s and Sakura — are still around. And some of the views will never change.

Take a look. Think about how Westport has changed.

And how it hasn’t.

Then — whether you grew up before or with Jeff, or moved in yesterday — click “Comments” below.

Click on or hover over to enlarge.

Oh My 06880 — Photo Challenge #80

The next time you’re stuck on Hillspoint Road, at the Post Road light, look left. You’ll see a picnic bench, in the woods by Sakura.

That was last week’s photo challenge. Only 1 “06880” reader was alert enough to nail it. Congratulations, Marcella Lozyniak! (Click here for the image — and all the incorrect guesses.)

Oh My 06880 - July 10, 2016

(Photo/Jaime Bairaktaris)

Perhaps readers will have better luck with this week’s challenge. If you know where Jaime Bairaktaris found this shot, click “Comments.” (Click on or hover over to read it more clearly.)

If you’ve got a back story, add that. There should be plenty of good info on this one!