A few years ago, Fairfield’s restaurants were eating Westport’s lunch.
Our neighbor’s dining scene is still robust. But from Saugatuck and downtown to the Southport line, make no mis-steak: We’ve got our dining chops back.
The opening this weekend of The Bridge at Saugatuck — and the new sign at soon-to-open Riko’s — underscore just how many good options there are in that very walkable neighborhood.
Zucca Gastrobar, Tutti’s, Black Duck, Harvest, Tarantino, Romanacci’s, The Allium, Match Lobster, The Whelk, Kawa Ni, Rainbow Thai, Rizzuto’s, Viva Zapata, Renato’s, The Boathouse, Dunville’s, Lomito, Four Brothers … there’s plenty of Italian food (befitting the old neighborhood), and plenty that’s not (befitting the new).
Traditional, down home and very good: Pasquale and Maria Funicello, owners of Tutti’s.
Heading toward town, options include Rive Bistro, Arezzo and OKO — each distinct, all with plenty of passionate regulars.
Downtown is equally eclectic. On just a couple of streets, you can choose between Basso, Don Memo, Walrus Alley, Capulli, Il Pastaficio, Jeera Thai, Casa Me, Studio Café, Nômade, 159 Main, Joe’s Pizza and Hudson Malone. The Cottage is not far away.
On Church Lane alone, choices include a new French créperie, Choupette; the Israeli The Blondinit, Japanese Pink Sumo, and Korean Gogi. Plus, of course, the American Spotted Horse, and Emmy’s, with its “Detroit-style” pizza.
Closer to Norwalk, we’ve got The Naan (Indian) and Via Sforza (Italian). Further up the Post Road are restaurants like Gabriele’s Steakhouse, Little Kitchen, Terrain, Sakura, Little Barn, Tengda, Bar Lupa, Julian’s, Hungry Pot and Tiger Bowl.
Raman and Simi Bandra, at The Naan.
La Plage is a bit off the restaurant track. But its waterfront location, in Longshore, make it another special Westport spot.
You want Mexican? Besides Viva and Don Memo, try Mexica, Mexicue, Bartaco and/or Tacombi.
I haven’t even mentioned all the primarily or fully takeout restaurants — for example, Layla’s Falafel, Westfair Fish & Chips, Ed’s Fusion, Vedas, Border Grille and Yuki Kitchen.
Or the random places that are open for lunch, but not dinner, like Jr’s and the Original Pancake House.
And … you didn’t think I’d forget it, did you? … the Sherwood Diner.
Sherwood Diner (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Are all of these spots fine dining?
No. But taken together, they make Westport a destination to find food of all types, at all price points, and often, close to one another. That proximity helps create a buzz, and brings diners back from more.
Not just from Westport, but other towns too.
Including Fairfield.
(What’s your go-to restaurant? Where do you show off Westport, to visiting friends and relatives? What did I miss? Click “Comments” below.)
Jeera Thai is one of my all-time favorite Westport restaurants. Clockwise from top: Su Kho Thai, a spicy noodle soup; curry puffs (chicken with cucumber sauce); Bangkok Stir Fry, another wonderful dish.
(Restaurants are an important part of “06880” — the town, and the blog. If you enjoy our coverage of this, or any other local topic, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Ron Rudzin — founder and CEO of Saatva, the luxury mattress company whose made-to-order products are hand-delivered by white-glove teams — had one sitting at the Sherwood Diner.
Ron Rudzin
He’d already added 18 “viewing rooms” — places where customers can experience Saatva comfort in a relaxed, pressure-free environment before beginning a 365-night home trial — in upscale locations like San Francisco’s Union Square, Washington’s Logan Circle and Boston’s Back Bay.
Now he was looking at Greenwich, for a site to serve all of Connecticut.
But that Saturday morning, having his traditional breakfast in his favorite diner seat, he saw the empty former Citibank building across the Post Road, next to Walgreens.
Rudzin did not sleep on it. He made the decision: Saatva’s newest location will be Westport, where he has lived for nearly 30 years.
It opens this summer.
Saatva’s new Westport location. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)
That’s great news for anyone looking for a great mattress (and accessories); who wants excellent, no-hassle service; who does not want to pay premium prices — and who prefers not to shop totally online, where Saatva’s business began in 2007.
Rudzin’s story began much earlier. At 16 the Queens native got a job with Jennifer Furniture. The company evolved from 1 location, into a 218-store national chain selling convertible sofas and furniture.
Over 20 years Rudzin worked his way up from sales representative to store manager, then vice president of national sales.
When he left in 2007 he was fascinated by internet businesses like Zappos, the online shoe retailer. Focusing on mattresses, he bought some of the most popular ones, paying between $2,200 and $2,500.
Taking them apart, he realized he could sell them direct to consumers for $1,500 less.
And because he knew all about home delivery, he realized he could do a better job of that too.
Amassing a team of industry veterans and bright young people — combining business acumen with tech savviness — he started Saatva.
The word comes from the Sanskrit “sattva,” which means “goodness” or “purity.”
Saatva sells mattresses in every category …
The idea was to counter the pervasive reputation of the mattress industry. The “S” also positioned it right up with leading companies like Sealy, Serta and Simmons.
Rudzin has overseen tremendous growth. The company owns its factories. It works with 150 companies, who deliver products anywhere in the US, 7 to 15 days after an order is placed.
They make mattresses in every category, with an emphasis on sustainability.
In 2019, Saatva opened their first viewing room on Manhattan’s 3rd Avenue, between 57th and 58th Streets. It’s most likely the lcountry’s argest grossing mattress store per square foot.
But it’s not a traditional one. “We don’t scream ‘50% off!'” Rudzin says.
“I always say, ‘sleep is an activity. You have to prepare for it.’ We don’t rush people.”
… and related products too.
He likens his midtown location — and other viewing rooms — to what Restoration Hardware would be like, if they sold mattresses.
“There’s a lot of energy, when people come to our showroom,” says Rudzin. “Beautiful music, great aroma, 7 or 8 people ready to help.”
That help extends beyond the brick-and-mortar locations, and the online presence.
Very quietly, Saatva supports the communities it is in.
Locally, they’ve provided mattresses to Homes with Hope and A Better Chance of Westport.
In New York, Rudzin sits on the board of Pencil. The non-profit connects business partners and educators, to help mentor students and help them succeed on their paths to college.
During COVID, Saatva produced 75,000 masks a week, and provided them free to first responders around the country.
The supply chain was less of an issue than for many other companies. Saatva owns its own factories, on the East and West Coasts and in the Midwest.
Rudzin is grateful for the success he’s had. Saatva is a $500 million company. It employs 300 men and women directly; 200 more in its factories, and 2,000 truck drivers, deliverers and riggers.
But he never forgets his roots.
“I grew up in Queens,” he says. “Now I see rigs, trucks, mattresses — all from an idea I had years ago.”
Soon, he’ll see it all in the town he has called home for 28 years.
Right across the street from his favorite booth, in his hometown diner.
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Two dozen electors have petitioned the Representative Town Meeting to appoint a committee to “review the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s plans for both Parker Harding and Jesup Green, the scope of the work and the associated costs; and to consider the merits and costs associated with feasible alternatives to what is being proposed by the DPIC, including a parking deck at the Baldwin lot; and to report its findings to the entire membership for such action as may be appropriate.”
The petitioners note “a great deal of concern and consternation among the citizenry surrounding the DPIC proposal, focused upon both the encroachment into Jesup Green and perceived flaws in the redesign of Parker Harding.”
RTM moderator Jeff Wieser has asked the RTM Rules Committee to review the petition prior to the full body’s May 7 meeting.
Wieser says that the RTM will take up that topic at the full meeting, along with the request for design funds to propose construction drawings for Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
“Various committees have met regarding the design funds,” he notes. In addition, the RTM will have field trips next week at Jesup Green to review the proposed plans.
It’s very appropriate: WestportMoms is hosting a Mother’s Day celebration — called “MOMents that Matter” — next Thursday (May 2, 6 to 10 p.m., Birchwood Country Club).
The event includes:
Mother’s Day shopping boutique with curated vendors
Panel discussion “rock star local moms” (including CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota, actress Stephanie Szostak, “Devil Wears Prada” author Lauren Weisberger, Melissa + Doug co-founder Melissa Bernstein and others) on balancing careers and motherhood, and the “MOMents That Matter.”
Gift bags for 50 attendees ($100 gift card to WEST, massage at Squeeze, and much more)
Appetizers from the new Birchwood chef, and cash bar.
Attendees are asked to bring a pack of feminine napkins, for women in need. The be donated to the Diaper Bank of Connecticut.
Tickets are $30. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Stacie Curran reports:
“What a wild nightyesterday at the Westport Library!
“Attendees from Club 203 members (our social group for adults with disabilities) and friends packed the Trefz Forum with a night of ‘speed friending; by TeenSLP (Staples High School’s speech and language expert Deirdre Flores), and rockin’ out with karaoke by our MC extraordinaire volunteer PJ Pitcher.
Thank you, Westport Library, for this incredible space. A special shout-out to associate director Alex Giannini, and the sound manager of Verso Studios, Travis Bell. You turned dreams into realty!”
Part of the Club 203 fun last night at the Westport Library.
There’s a new addition to Saturday’s annual Drug Takeback Day (April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Senior Center).
A Wellness Fair — sponsored by Positive Directions — will take place, along with a collection by Westport Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency of tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs.
Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs are not accepted. Liquid products like cough syrup should remain sealed in their original container.
Residents can bring expired and unwanted medications for safe disposal, then stay for “wellness fun.”
The event includes a free behavioral health screening and blood pressure check, a sensory table for relaxation, and nutrition tips.
Prevention resources include drug awareness activities (drunk goggles, liquor stickers, lock bags, Narcan demonstration), tick and mosquito prevention resources, and gambling awareness materials.
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Prep work continues for the upcoming beach season.
Speaking of police: The Westport PD made 6 custodial arrests between April 17 and 24.
A 26-year-old Bridgeport woman was arrested for larceny, illegal taking of a payment card, illegal use of a credit card exceeding $500, receipt from illegal use of a credit card, and identity theft, following complaint of fraudulent credit card charges over $12,000. Surveillance footage at Walgreens determined that an employee had used the card to purchase gift cards. Surveillance footage at other locations also showed the same user.
A 52-year-old Elizabeth, New Jersey woman was arrested for larceny and forgery, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, after a $560 check was stolen from their mailbox, and fraudulently deposited for $5,500..
A 43-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and interfering with an emergency call, following a domestic disturbance. His comments made a family member fear for their safety, then held their car keys so they could not leave and interfered with a 911 call for help
A 47-year-old Stamford woman was charged with disorderly conduct and assault, after a domestic violence incident in a Westport home.
A 33-year-old Norwalk man was arrested for illegal operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, evading responsibility, failure to obey a stop sign and operating a motor vehicle without a license, following an accident with injuries at the Compo Road North/Evergreen Avenue intersection. The driver — who fled with the passenger on foot — had failed to stop at the Evergreen Avenue stop sign. He and the passenger were quickly apprehended. The operator of the vehicle that was struck sustained minor injuries.
A 39-year-old Darien man was arrested for driving under the influence after his vehicle was stopped in the travel portion of the street, near 1655 Post Road East. Officers found the driver disoriented, unable to follow basic instructions, and with the odor of alcohol on his breath.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Speeding: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Interfering with an officer: 1
Reckless driving: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks like this one, on Riverside Avenue at Sylvan Lane.
Suzuki Music Schools are best known for their violin instructions.
Sophie B. Hawkins does not play the violin.
No matter. The Westport-based singer/songwriter is the special guest performer at Suzuki’s annual gala this Friday (April 26, Aspetuck Country Club, Weston). She’ll be accompanied by Suzuki students.
The event includes a cocktail hour with open bar, dinner, and a live auction.
Last year’s gala raised nearly $40,000 to support their Bridgeport Outreach programs, to provide music lessons to children in need.
This year’s goal: raise enough funds to provide violins for those children to take home for practice.
Dimitri Alatakis — a part owner of the Sherwood Diner — died last week, after suffering a heart attack. He lived in Fairfield, and was 61.
Dimitri is survived by his wife of 31 years, Donna; children Dimitri, Zoe and Alexei; mother Galatia and brother Stephen. He was predeceased by his father Andreas.
Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, to benefit the preschool program.
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We don’t often post a nighttime “Westport … Naturally” photo. Here’s an exception: Jerry Kuyper’s image, “minutes after the moon hit full.”
Each Christmas season, the Wreaths Across America program honors fallen servicemembers, and all who serve. Over 2 million volunteers take part, in all 50 states and overseas.
Last year, for the first time, Westport joined in.
We’ll do it again this year.
The date is December 16. The time is noon. The cemetery is Assumption, on Greens Farms Road.
It wouldn’t have happened without Patty Kondub. The popular Westport Family YMCA and Senior Center fitness instructor (and Staples High School girls golf coach) is the local coordinator.
As part of her many other Westport activities, she’s also vice president of the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 Auxiliary.
Click here to sponsor a wreath. To designate a wreath for a specific veteran at the Assumption cemetery, email Patty: nortonpk@aol.com. You can also email her to volunteer to mark graves before December 17, and place them on that date.
SPECIAL NOTE: On today — Giving Tuesday — $5 of every $17 wreath this year is donated back to the Westport VFW.
For Patty, the project is personal. Her father — John Kondub — was a World War II Marine, and VFW Post 399 member. He earned a Purple Heart, for hand-to-hand combat in the Marianas Islands (Saipan).
He is buried at Assumption Greens Farms Cemetery — almost across from the farm where he was born, before I-95 was built.
“There are over 350 veterans buried in this cemetery,” Patty says. “I hope they all get wreaths.”
The Westport Department of Human Services’ Warm-Up Fund helps households with home heating expenses through the cold winter months.
It’s especially welcome as the cost of food, housing — and heating bills — all rise.
Tax-deductible donations to the Westport Warm-Up Fund can be made online (click here, then scroll down), or by mail to Department of Human Services, Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport CT 06880
Back in 2020, the Hackett family wanted to do something meaningful to give back to those in need.
All avid athletes, they chose a project that connects with them, and their Westport community. (It also helps clear out clutter.)
Working with Leveling the Playing Field — a non-profit organization helps underprivileged youngsters who need sports equipment — they’ll collect new and gently used sports and playground equipment.
They’ll be at the Granola Bar this Saturday and Sunday (December 2 and 3), from 8 a.m. to noon.
(From left): Alex, Chloe and Daisy Hackett, with a few of their many donations.
You must have stuff lying around: cleats, field hockey sticks, lacrosse equipment, bats, ice hockey skates, footballs, softball gloves, soccer shin guards, etc. Click here for a full list of items — you’ll be amazed at what you forgot you have.
So clean out your garages, sheds and basements. It’s time to level the playing field for everyone!
For more information about this amazing organization, click below:
Chabad of Westport launches its new speaker series, “Critical Conversations,” with a big name.
Former Israeli Minister of Justice and Interior Ayelet Shaked comes to the Newtown Turnpike center this Thursday (November 30, 7:30 p.m.).
Shaked is a prominent political figure, known for her dedication to Israel. Her insights and perspectives on the complexities of the region are especially meaningful in the wake of last month’s terror attack by Hamas on the nation.
A Q-and-A session will follow Shaked’s presentation. For more information and reservations, click here.
MoCA Westport’s first-ever Artisan Market (Holiday Edition) promises “a delightful day of luxury holiday shopping and art exploration.” It’s December 9 (noon to 4 p.m.), at MoCA’s Newtown Turnpike campus.
Attendees can also enjoy the current Purvis Young exhibition (and treats from the Cowabunga Food Truck).
Admission to the Artisan Marketplace is included in the $10 gallery admission fee. Admission is free for MoCA members.
Artisans include:
Mediterranean Botanicals
Hudson & King Jewelry
Bedford Embroidery
Camille & Co.
COG (Jen Cogliantry Design)
Shawls by Sonika
Jennifer Hoertz Millinery
Tocco Studio
hipV Modern Vintage Jewelry
Lucy Curran Party
Runo Store
Ellis Sant’Andrea Fine Art
Le Rouge Aartisan Chocolates
ARRA
SantM
KVO Collections
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Westport’s PTA Cultural Arts group is bringing Matthew “Magic Morgan” to all the elementary schools this week.
He and his wife Liliana — deaf magicians from Wisconsin — perform around the world. In addition to magic, students learn some American Sign Language.
Matt and Liliana will also perform for the public at Westport Town Hall tomorrow evening (Wednesday, November 29, 6 p.m.). Admission is $10.
He’s best known as the founder of Motown Records. But he’s also a songwriter (“Lonely Teardrops,” “Shop Around,” “Do You Love Me,” “I Want You Back,” “ABC.”)
He was the mastermind behind groups like the Miracles, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Stevie Wonder.
For several decades, Motown was was the highest-earning Black-owned business.
(“06880” is here for you this holiday season — and 24/7/365. Please click here to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
A reminder (and we can’t remind readers often enough): From tonight through early Monday morning, the second “bridge slide” takes place.
The new I-95 Saugatuck Avenue bridge will be slid over, replacing the old one. Traffic will be diverted onto local roads.
Drivers using Waze and other apps will find their own ways around the miss, as they did 2 weeks ago. Areas far from 95, like Hermit Lane and Gorham Avenue, were affected.
If you’re going to weekend happenings — like Saturday’s Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services banquet at the VFW, or the next day’s “First Folk Sunday” (also at the VFW), or Sunday’s “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour — plan accordingly.
If it seems like there are a lot of vape and smoke shops popping up around town: You’re not high. It’s true.
The Planning & Zoning Commission has taken notice too.
The first agenda item at its November 13 meeting (7 p.m., Zoom; click here to see) includes a text amendment that would “protect the public health and welfare by adding language to define and prohibit Smoke Shops and add stricter standards applicable to other establishments that sell smoking related products, but do not qualify as a Smoke Shop as described in the definition.”
New language is also proposed to “prohibit light emitting diode or LED signs so as to reduce potential distractions to motorists” — one of the complaints about Savvy Smoker, the new shop next to Christian Siriano at the corner of Post Road East and West Parish Road.
Nearly 400 fans packed the Inn at Longshore last night, for Westport PAL’s 2nd annual gala.
The Romano family (Pete, his parents PJ and Joan, sister Pam Romano-Gorman, and daughters), and former PAL president Ned Batlin, were honored for their longtime contributions to the non-profit that serves thousands of Westport youth every year.
There was an auction too, including special items like VIP parking — and beach sitting — areas for the PAL-sponsored 4th of July fireworks.
And there were heartfelt testimonials to the importance of Westport PAL (and the influence of so many volunteer coaches) by former lacrosse player Henry Dodge, current Staples High School quarterback Caleb Smith, and 6th grade athlete Tristen Rycenga.
It was a great, Westport-centric evening. Funds raised will go to the new, 2-story clubhouse planned for (of course) PJ Romano Field.
6th grader Tristen Rycenga (at microphone) and teammates thank Westport PAL for all they do. PAL president Craig Bergamo is at left. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
Also yesterday: 90-year-0ld Win Allen provided a snapshot of his life story to the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston.
The 48-year resident of Westport grew up in Harlem, attended law school, earned a Fulbright Scholarship, then created the first Black-owned Wall Street firm.
He has written 3 books, most recently“How I Pried Open Wall Street in 1962.”
Win Allen speaks to the Y’s Men. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
Ukraine Aid International –– the non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — continues to deliver crucial aid.
The organization has purchased a water filtration truck, for deliveries to frontline locations to places — like our sister city of Lyman — without permanent installations.
Lyman’s police also just received a generous donation from the Westport Police Department. The shipment includes gear that was scheduled to be replaced here, including bulletproof vests, shoulder radios, winter hats and gloves, car radios, police belts and ballistic helmets.
Donations to Lyman are always welcome. Click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)
Ukraine Aid International’s water filtration truck.
For adults — well, you may have way too many Kit Kats, M&Ms and apples (just kidding) left over from Monday night.
Al’s Angels are happy to take it off your hands.
From now through Wednesday (November 8), bring extra Halloween candy to Saugatuck Sweets’ Westport or Fairfield locations.
It will be placed in nearly 1,500 Al’s Angels Thanksgiving holiday meal bins, for children battling cancer, rare blood diseases and several financial hardship.
“On September 13, the Conservation Board approved a plan to build a luxury townhouse next to Eloise A. Ray Park, on Riverside Avenue.
“This approval occurred over the objections of a number of residents, including a ‘Friends of the Park’ group which has been lobbying against the project for some time.
“Opponents of the project argue that it will be unusable while construction is ongoing; that it will be used in part as a staging area, and damaged by equipment; that the park will be ‘forever altered by having a multi-level house, driveway, patio and walls’ encroaching on it; that trees will be cut, wildlife displaced, and that traffic on Riverside will be affected for lengthy periods of time.
“While the project still requires approval by Planning & Zoning (no hearing date has yet been set), Friends of Eloise A. Ray Park urges residents to find out where P&Z candidates stand on this issue. They also invite interested residents to email saveeloise@gmail.com.”
People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, who are drivers or passengers in cars, are invited to a “Traffic Stop Practice” tomorrow (Saturday, November 4, 8 a.m. to noon), Sacred Heart University).
Sponsored in part by the Westport Police Department, the goal is to provide those with ASD with information about interactions during a routine traffic stop. They’ll also learn how to use the Department of Motor Vehicles’ “Blue Envelope,” which helps enhance communication with officers.
To register, email asd-center@southernct.edu; include “Traffic Stop Practice” in the subject line, and include name, phone, email and physical address.
The state DMV “blue envelope” program, for people with autism.
Though 180 families applied to the Salvation Army for Thanksgiving turkeys and other food, the organization expects their CT Food Share allotment will not cover the need.
The seek additional support from are residents.
The Salvation Army also hopes to purchase new coats, sneakers and toys for hundreds of youngsters.
To help, and for more information, contact Major Persi Sanclemente: Persida.Sanclemente@USE.SalvationArmy.org; 401-439-3480.
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Yesterday’s frost was the first of this fall.
Jacqui O’Brien captured it in Greens Farms, for “Westport … Naturally”:
(Photo/Jacqui O’Brien)
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And finally … this weekend’s “bridge slide” is not electric.
But this video will get you in a happier mood than you otherwise might be:
(Staying home to avoid all the traffic? Slide over to this link, and help support “06880.” Thank you!)
Two pay phones remain in Westport. One is at the Merritt Parkway Exit 42 parking lot. This is near the Sherwood Diner. Photographer Mark Mathias says: “Hiding in plain sight. No dial tone, but there’s a wire going to a utility pole, so it might work if I put a quarter in it.”
For a very popular place, not many people recognized the Sherwood Diner as the location for last week’s Photo Challenge.
In fact, only one did.
It took awhile, but Lynn Untermeyer Miller eventually identified the bushes in planters in Ellen Wentworth’s image as the ones outside the Post Road East institution. (Click here to see.)
Incorrect guesses ranged all over town: the Senior Center, La Plage, Burying Hill and Old Mill Beach, The Porch @ Christie’s and Terrain.
Will this week’s Photo Challenge be easier? Click “Comments” below if you know where in Westport you would see this:
The Planning & Zoning Commission seldom hears “thank you.”
Their decisions are often controversial — or humdrum.
But this month’s unanimous vote to extend outdoor dining until further notice was met with effusive praise from restaurant owners throughout town.
From Tutti’s to downtown (where the other day all the well-spaced tables outside Basso were filled) — and even spots like Sherwood Diner — outdoor dining has been an important lifeline during a difficult time.
Basso. on Jesup Green (Photo/Dan Woog)
If neighboring property owners give consent, restaurants can use otherwise unusable setbacks, as Rizzuto’s has done with their popular igloos.
Rizzuto’s popular igloos. (Photo/Joel Treisman)
They can use adjacent property too, as Rive Bistro does.
Restaurants can even request Board of Selectmen permission to put tables in street parking and on sidewalks. Railroad Place (Romanacci, Tarantino, Harvest) and Church Lane (Spotted Horse, Manna Toast) are prime examples of town-restaurant cooperation.
Romanacci’s Xpress.
The application process is simple. It’s managed by P&Z director Mary Young, with support from fire marshal Nate Gibbons, to ensure the safety of patrons and staff.
As the weather gets better, more outdoor dining options are sure to appear.
And who knows? They’re so popular, the P&Z may decide to keep them, long after the pandemic ends.
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