Brian Lewis is the highly respected chef and owner of 2 legendary Westport restaurants: The Cottage and OKO.
He’s also a James Beard Award finalist, and a key figure in the Fairfield County culinary scene.
But he’s also a dad — and much more. The other day, Brian made the short trip to the Westport Library, to chat about his work, his life (and his sons). Click here or below, to enjoy our wide-ranging conversation.
Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Brian Lewis
Posted in Library, Media, Restaurants
Tagged "06880" podcast, Brian Lewis, OKO restaurant, The Cottage
Possible thunderstorms have moved tomorrow’s Pops Concert from outdoors to inside.
The Staples High School Music Department says: “We continue to prioritize the safety of all students, staff and audience members. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for pre-concert acts. The concert will begin at 7. We look forward to sharing an ‘Evening at the Movies’ with you.”
The decision had to be made early, because setting up a concert of the Pops’ scope and scale takes time (and different equipment, dependng on the venue).
The music department and AV tech crew will work until midning tonight setting up the auditorium, to be ready for Friday morning’s run-through with sstudents.
The Staples auditorium’s sound and lighting replacement is long overdue. Without a working system, the school relies on rented equipment.
Despite the challenges, the hundreds of talented students and their remarkable teachers put on an excellent concert — no matter where the music comes from.
Meanwhile, the Staples Music Parents Association has arranged for Romanacci to help feed the hungry audience.
Pre-orders will be taken through 9 a.m. tomorrow (Friday); click here, then choose an option from the dropdown menu. Food will be delivered at the show.
Romanacci is donating a portion of proceeds to the Staples music program. Mangia!
===============================================
The Community Gardens have garnered the most publicity from environmentalists, during debates over the new Long Lots Elementary School.
But another casualty is 25 to 30 trees. They’ll be removed, “06880” reader Margaret Freeman says, when the parking lot is reconfigured. She sent this collage:
(Photos/Margaret Freeman)
She says they were planted when the school was built in the mid-1950s, as a junior high.
And “they’re in swales, to collect water.” Each tree absorbs about 750 gallons a year, she says, citing the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.
“With the water issues well documented to the north and south of the site and the removal of the Community Gardens, this is cause for concern,” Margaret adds.
“This doesn’t have to happen. The lot could be ‘reconfigured’ to save the trees. It’s not too late.”
NOTE: Last night, both the Conservation Commission and Flood & Erosion Control Board gave their okays for the new school plans.
=================================================
Tonight’s Board of Education meeting (Thursday, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria) begins with recognition of the PTA co-presidents, Student BOE representatives Souleye Kebe and Calum Madigan, and 19 Westport Public Schools retirees: Valerie Babich, Judy Bachman, Anthony Buono, Peter Caligiure, Shauna Flaherty, James Forgey, Jane Garard, Frances Geraci, Suzanne Levasseur, Susan McCarthy, Karen McCormick, Joyce McNiff, Stephen Rexford, Mary Scaife, Anne Sheffer, Carolyn Siclari, Debra Spath, Maureen Vergato and Humphrey Wong.
After a reception, and public comments on non-agenda items, there are 3 seemingly quick agenda items: the 2025-26 school lunch program, approval of ’25-26 tuition rates, and authorization for the superintendent of schools to sign contracts.
Among this year’s retirees: assistant superintendent Anthony Buono.
==================================================
Longshore Sailing School takes its maritime responsibilities seriously.
Beyond providing instruction for all ages — and rentals — they help keep the shoreline clean.
As they’ve done for many years, on June 14 they’ll lead a coastal cleanup kayaking event.
From 9:30 to 11 a.m., people can take a kayak for free to clean up the shoreline and Saugatuck River. There is plenty of debris. Longshore Sailing will supply buckets.
Here is the sign-up link. Click through to reserve a single or double kayak on the 14th at 9:30; then enter the code “cleanup” before adding to cart to delete the cost.
Among the debris from last year’s Longshore Sailing School clean-up: golf balls, from the nearby driving range.
==================================================
It’s a busy June at the Westport Book Shop.
Erin Nazzaro
=================================================
The Cottage has always featured locally sourced food.
Its 10th-anniversary tasting menu highlights “under-appreciated seafood.” Among the menu’s highlights is a freshly caught eel, sourced locally in collaboration with Hunter Peterson of the Saugatuck Oyster Company.
Peterson’s year-round guided shell fishing tours on Long Island Sound teach participants to identify and safely harvest offerings like eastern oysters, quahogs, surf clams and slipper limpets, while addressing invasive threats such as Asian shore crabs.
Each experience concludes on the beach, where he shucks oysters and transforms slipper limpets into a delicacy with a blowtorch and herb butter.
“Working with overlooked seafood allows us to tell a deeper story about the ocean’s natural rhythms,” says Cottage chef Brian Lewis. “By embracing what’s abundant and underutilized, we create dishes that surprise, delight, and honor the ecosystem that sustains us.”
================================================
Eight members of the Artists Collective of Westport are heading north.
They’re painters, photographers and sculptors. They approach their themes in different ways.
But the women — Janine Brown, Louise Cadoux, Leonor Dao, Susan Fehlinger, Rebecca Fuchs, Fruma Markowitz, Barbara Ryan and Lisa Silberman — have found common threads.
The show — at A Mano Gallery in Torrington — is a testament to their work (and made possible by a Don Long Grant). After an opening reception on June 13 (6 p.m.), the exhibit runs through June 27.
Art by Leonor Dao.
=============================================
Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between May 28 and June 4.
A 26-year-old Fairfield woman and a 28-year-old Bridgeport man were charged with larceny, robbery, and conspiracy to commit those crimes after a robbery at Westport Hardware. After the woman allegedly stole 2 power tools, she told an employee in the parking lot that she had a knife and the man in the car had a gun. She was charged with threatening, too. Both were held on $75,000 bonds.
A 52-year-old Philadelphia woman was charged with larceny, payment card fraud, payment card theft, identify theft, and conspiracy, following an investigation into a 2018 incident in which a wallet was stolen from a patron at Panera Bread. The suspect was transported to Westport from a prison in Allentown, Pennsylvania, after law enforcement information sharing.
A 39-year-old Westport man was charged with possession of a controlled substance and criminal trespass, after being in Terrain in violation of a trespass warning. During the arrest, he admitted to possessing Xanax and Oxycodone.
A 46-year-old West Haven man was charged with larceny, after an investigation into the theft of meat and seafood from Stop & Shop.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
===============================================
Staples High School Class of 1992 graduate Scott Cussimano died April 28. He was 51, and lived in Seattle.
Scott earned a BA in philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He pursued an MBA at the University of Washington, blending philosophical insight with business acumen. His business career included positions at Microsoft and Oracle. He recently established his own company, focusing on global quality-of-life initiatives.
Scott loved surfing in California and Mexico, playing frisbee with his dog, and traveling to foreign cities.
He is survived by his father, Patrick, sister Gail Cussimano, brother Erik (Margo Friedman), Cussimano and sister-in-law Margo Friedman, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Sissel Dreyer Cussimano.
Scott’s ashes will be scattered along the coastal waters of Santa Barbara, a place he loved.
A celebration of life takes place tomorrow (Friday, June 5, 11 a.m.; Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield). Friends can greet the family at 10:30 a.m. cClick here to send online condolences. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sierra Club.
Scott Cussimano
==============================================
Another “Westport … Naturally” feature, another coyote.
This one was spotted enjoying Susan Garment’s Pequot Trail garden.
Stay safe out there!
(Photo/Susan Garment)
=================================================
And finally … thinking about the first item above:
(It’s hard to keep up with everything happening in town. We hope “06880” helps. And to help us keep solvent, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here — and thank you!)
Jackie Robinson is a towering historical figure. Thanks to Major League Baseball’s ongoing efforts, every young fan today knows the story of the first man to break the sport’s Black barrier.
But older Americans have more first-hand knowledge of the Brooklyn Dodgers star. They were youngsters or adolescents when he played, or had recently retired.
Robinson was the subject of the Westport Library Common Ground Initiative‘s first-ever Jackie Robinson Essay Contest.
Modeled on TEAM Westport’s Teen Diversity Essay Contest, it invited area residents age 60 or older to reflect on this prompt: “Jackie Robinson stands as an icon of equality and civil rights. What does that say about the power of his legacy, of the place of sports in our culture, and about our modern-day society?”
The Library, Senior Center and Meryl Moss Media group chose 6 winners.
Tony Sanches won first place — and a Jackie Robinson Baseball Hall of Fame 1962 induction limited edition bat — for his essay, “Life Lessons.” A New York Mets fan who is very familiar with the large Robinson statue outside Citi Field, he wrote about how the player inspired him — a “brown-skinned kid … in an all-white Long Island suburb.” Sanches’ essay is here.
Second place went to Steve Karp. His essay “42 and Me” described the writer’s youth in Stamford — where Robinson lived — and the player’s personal impact on him.
Other essay winners included Jim Alkon for “His Courage Taught Baseball to be Color Blind,“; William Field (“The Meritocracy of the Locker Room: Jackie Robinson’s Halo Looms Large“); Martin Erdheim (“Jackie Was America’s Dream“), and Holly Goss Betts (“Jackie Robinson Moved Boulders“).
Tony Sanches, with his winning Jackie Robinson bat.
==================================================
It’s not easy, overseeing all the music and art education in the Westport Public Schools.
But Stephen Zimmerman does it — and does it well.
So well, in fact, that last week our townwide coordinator of music and visual arts was named Administrator of the Year, by the Connecticut Music Educators Association.
He was cited for his “visionary leadership, tireless advocacy for teachers, and unwavering commitment to ensuring high quality music programs for all students… (He) is deeply invested in teacher growth, regularly presenting at state and national conferences and working closely with Connecticut districts, teachers, and music administrators to strengthen instruction, curriculum, and assessment practices.”
Steve Zimmerman
=================================================
The 9th annual Westport Dog Festival is this Sunday (May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Winslow Park).
This week, TAILS volunteers have been working like — you know — filling 1,000 doggie bags, given to attendees.
Sponsors provide an item to promote themselves. They include things like dog food, a doggie poop bag holder (with bags), dog bandannas, bubbles, refrigerator magnets and discount coupons.
This is one doggie bag you’re not embarrassed to ask for.
Those doggone bags!
==================================================
If you didn’t help with the Compo Beach playground rebuildl — or even if you did — there’s one more chance to help.
Volunteers are needed all day this Saturday (May 17) to do one final heaving, helping sweep of the grounds.
Head on down to sift through the sand. And if you’ve got a metal detector: Bring it along!
Almost done! (Photo/Larry Silver)
==================================================
Westport Sunrise Rotary is collaborating with Open Doors Homeless Shelter in Norwalk for Epic Day of Service.
They’re looking for volunteers to help paint bed frames, and the front entrance of the facility.
Two shifts are avaiable this Saturday (May 17; 9 to 11 a.m., and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Please PM me if you are available and willing to give back. If interested, email asarelli@yahoo.com.
=================================================
To celebrate its decade, The Cottage has unveiled a Ten Year Tasting Menu.
The multi-course offering was designed by chef/owner Brian Lewis, 2025 James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef: Northeast. The limited-time menu pays homage to “the restaurant’s roots in seasonality, storytelling, and enduring partnerships with New England’s finest farmers, fishermen, and foragers.
“This menu is a tribute to the ingredients, people, and moments that have shaped our story over the past 10 years,” says Lewis.
“We pushed ourselves to dig deeper — reconnecting with our local purveyors, reimagining time-honored techniques, and creating dishes that carry real meaning. Each course reflects a memory, a partnership, or a turning point.”
The tasting menu is available for dinner Tuesday through Saturday; $175 per guest, with an optional $75 wine pairing. Call 203.557.3701, or email chefbrianlewis@fullhousehg.com. Full menus and more information can be found here.
Tasting menu samples, at The Cottage.
==================================================
The Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Extra Special Spring Bash is truly special.
The lively, inclusive event for teens and young adults with disabilities (May 23, 6:30 to 8 p.m.) is open to youth ages 12 to 18 with physical or neuro-diverse needs, and their families.
The Y will transform its fitness studio into a spring-themed festival, with music, dancing, games, food, a photo booth, gift bags, and plenty of joy. A live DJ will keep the energy high, in a safe, welcoming space made just for arrwnswwa.
Parents and guardians can hang out in a lounge nearby. Registration and details are available here.
=================================================
Joe Vallone was stymied recently in his efforts to build 32 units of 100% affordable housing on Maple Avenue South, behind the Exxon station.
But the Westport architect just completed another fully affordable project, The Camelot — in West Hartford.
The range of income levels is between $30,000 and $80,000 a year. Vallone first pitched the idea in early 2022. Full details are available here.
Joe Vallone, at The Camelot. (Photo/Ronni Newton for We-Ha.com)
==================================================
.Ken Runkel’s digital artwork is a highlight of nearly every “06880” Saturday online art gallery.
But today’s post has nothing to do with art.
Ten years ago Ken’s daughter Lindsey — a 2009 Staples High School graduate — fractured her spine in a mountain biking accident. She was paralyzed from the chest down.
But she earned 2 degrees, including a BSN in nursing from the University of Connecticut. In fact, Lindsey broke new ground, as the first paraplegic nursing student at UConn.
Soon after graduation she was hired by Yale New Haven Hospital, as the only paraplegic registered nurse in the liver and kidney transplant unit. In 2021 she became a critical care nurse, in the ICU at Yale New Haven Hospital.
She has fought tirelessly to live fully, and refuses to let paralysis define or limit her. Yet she has faced harsh challenges, both medical and financial.
Lindsey was recently diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. She has encountered ongoing obstacles to find effective pharmaceutical and treatment solutions.
Her daily medical needs already carry significant costs, and the treatment for ulcerative colitis has further increased her financial burden.
A campaign was established for Lindsey at HelpHopeLive, a non-profit that supports people with medical expenses due to catastrophic injuries and illnesses. All donations are tax-deductible and can only be used for medical expenses.
Lindsay Runkel
==================================================
On June 27 (6:30 p.m.,), Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads make their first-ever Westport appearance.
They’ll fill the Westport Library with their fun Caribbean swagger, and bouncy reggae rhythms, for a special dance party.
It’s billed as “the world’s largest reggae dance party.” And there’s Red Stripe beer!
Tickets are $37.50. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Mystic Bowie
==================================================
A 37-year-old Darien women was charged with larceny, following an investigation into a March incident at Mitchells. The woman allegedly removed security bags from clothes worth more than $9,000 in a dressing room. She was released after posting a $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issues these citations, between May 7 and 14:
==================================================
For today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image, we present: the moon.
Specifically, a full one over Long Island Sound:
(Photo/Jonathan Prager)
==================================================
And finally … in honor of Joe Vallone’s latest affordable housing project (story above):
(Another day, another Roundup filled with news about events, restaurants, and everything else that makes this town pop. If you enjoy this daily potpourri, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Posted in Arts, Beach, Education, Library, Police, Restaurants, YMCA
Tagged affordable housing, Compo Beach playground, Dog Festival, Joe Vallone, Lindsay Runkel, Steve Zimmerman, The Cottage
Westporters know how talented Brian Lewis is.
Now the James Beard Foundation does too.
The Cottage‘s chef/owner was named yesterday as one of 5 nominees for Best Chef, in the New England region. The others are from Providence (2), Cambridge and Burlington, Vermont.
The winner will be announced on June 16, at a ceremony in Chicago. The Awards will be broadcast live on Eater. Click here for more James Beard information.
Chef Brian Lewis
===============================================
Speaking of restaurants: The Blondinit is (“06880” thinks) the only one in Westport offering a kosher menu for Passover.
Available for catering and in-house dining, and made with true Israeli flavors and 100% kosher ingredients, the half and full trays include appetizers (deviled eggs, smoke salmon, fried matzah, flourless potato latkes and matzah ball soup); dips; salads; entrees (baked chicken, mafrum, stuffed peppers, matzah-crusted sea bass and grilled salmon); sides, and desserts.
The catering order deadline is Monday (April 7).
Every dish is served with matzah, Israeli pickles and schug. Available in half or full trays for gatherings big or small.
Click here to order (use the “Passover” tab under “Order Online”), or call 203-557-3277.
==================================================
If it’s April, it must be time for the Minute Man Race.
One of Westport’s most popular traditions, the event — actually, a 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk and kids’ fun run, plus a Kids’ Zone with games and entertainment — returns Sunday, April 27 (Compo Beach).
All net proceeds benefit the Westport Young Woman’s League Grants program. Last year, they awarded $65,000 to 9 non-profits doing vital work across Fairfield County.
Now is the time to register.
And to sponsor and donate. All are welcome!
Click here for more information, and to register, donate and sponsor.
==================================================
Another great Westport tradition — the Day of Champions — is coming soon too. Mark your calendars: Sunday, May 18 (9 to 11:30 a.m., PJ Romano Field).
It’s Experience Camps’ morning of family competition and fun — and a major fundraiser for their efforts to provide free programs for children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver.
Everyone who has participated (and that’s almost everyone in Westport with an elementary school-age kid) knows it’s a great event.
They also know how much work it takes.
Volunteer sign-ups have begun. There are tons of tasks. Click here to help. Click here to learn more about Experience Camps.
The “En Fuego team”: on fire at the Day of Champions. (Photo/Amy Shapiro)
=================================================
This is also the time of year to clean out basements and garages.
CB Sportif and Northeast Community Cycles are collecting “pre-loved” bikes.
They’ll be refurbished, then given free to children and adults throughout Fairfield County who need — but cannot afford — themm.
Bicycles can be dropped off tomorrow (Friday, April 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Saturday (April 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at CB Sportif (1554 Post Road East). Tax receipts are available.
Questions? Call 203-586-3030.
New life for old bikes.
=================================================
Barbra Streisand celebrates her birthday at the Westport Country Playhouse.
Well — April 24 is her birthday. She’ll be represented there in “Me, Myself, and Barbra,” a tribute by Jenna Pastuszek.
She was inspired by a meeting with the singing star, who inspired her to embrace her inner Barbra.
The show is April 24 — Streisand’s birthday. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $45 and $40; pre-show party and show tickets are $55 and $50. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
==================================================
Totney Benson reports: “Boats are retuning to the Ned Dimes Marina. There was one yesterday, almost 20 this morning!”
That’s quite an increase. At that exponential rate, the Compo Beach basin will be filled tomorrow.
(Photo/Totney Benson)
==================================================
Westport Police made no custodial arrests between March 26 and April 2.
They issued these citations:
Texting while driving is illegal — even at a red light.
=================================================
For the last couple of weeks, we’ve introduced our “Westport … Naturally” feature by saying, “In a couple of weeks, this scene will look very different.”
Come on, spring! What are you waiting for?
Compo Beach (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
==================================================
And finally … in honor of the bicycle collection this weekend at CB Sportif:
(From restaurants and road races to volunteer opportunities, “06880” offers it all to you today. We do it every day too — 24/7/365. Of course, we rely on reader support. Please click here. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Brian Lewis & James Beard, Blondinit & Passover …
Posted in Beach, Local business, Police, Restaurants, Westport Country Playhouse
Tagged Barbra Streisand, Brian Lewis, CB Sportif, Day of Champions, Experience Camps, Minute Man Race, The Blondinit, The Cottage, Westport Young Woman's League
The Long Lots School Building Committee holds a special meeting tonight (Tuesday, October 29, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).
The agenda includes a project update, and a work session to review “faculty/ staff/administration concept adjacency plan.” Public comment will follow.
Meanwhile, a “Community Conversation on Redistricting” is set for tomorrow night (Wednesday, October 30, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).
The meeting can also be viewed on Cablevision Channel 78, and by livestream at www.westportps.org.
Residents and town employees are welcome to speak. There is a 3-minute limit.
Elementary school redistricting plan.
==================================================
Turning to the Planning & Zoning Commission: Its November 4 meeting agenda (6 p.m., Zoom; livestreamed at www.westportct.gov; Optimum Channel 79) includes a report on a new lease with Longshore Sailing School. This replaces the former lease with a new one, with the same operator. It would run to October 31, 2029, with an option for a 5-year extension.
Also on the agenda: Text Amendment #846. It would allow outdoor eating areas for any retail food establishment existing or operating in a residential zone prior to September 1, 2024, and exempt them from the 50-foot setback requirement; update the “outdoor eating area” definition to include the right to utilize portable food carts and service stations, and expand the sale of alcohol to those same food establishments.
In addition to Old Mill Grocery, the text amendment would benefit The Porch at Christies on Cross Highway, and The Country Store on Wilton Road.
An explanatory statement filed with the application says: “The vision and impetus behind these proposed text amendments is for these establishments to serve as a place where neighbors can enjoy a casual glass of wine, or a beer, with their food, unwind, and socialize with their friends.”
The amendments are also “consistent with the Town of Westport’s 2017 Plan of Conservation and Development,” which encourages “tiny commercial uses embedded” in some residential areas, while “maintaining residential character.”
Click here to view the full pending application of Text Amendment #846. Based on statutory requirements, the Planning & Zoning Commission’s public hearing will wait until November. Residents can comment on the application by emailing PandZ@westportct.gov.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)
=================================================
Congratulations to longtime Westporter, generous supporter and exceptional business leader Melissa Bernstein. She has just been inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame.
Her citation reads: ‘Melissa Bernstein is an entrepreneur, creative, and author. As co-founder and former CEO of the wildly successful toy company Melissa & Doug, Melissa has spent the last 30 years helping children discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose through open-ended play.
“In 2020, after her own personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Melissa founded Lifelines. Through Lifelines, she is using her unparalleled creativity and imagination to reinvent well-being products and experiences to help adults strengthen their resilience, stay grounded, and unlock their full potential. Melissa lives in Westport Connecticut with Doug and their 6 children.”
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — who surprised Melissa with appearance at her induction in Hartford — praises: “You lead with compassion, creativity and incredible competence. Every day you inspire women and girls to realize their own limitless potential, which is the mission of the CT Women’s Hall of Fame.”
Melissa Bernstein and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, at the CT Women’s Hall of Fame ceremony.
==================================================
Speaking of women: “The Hills of California” is a Broadway show about sisters. (They cram into the guest house of their former home as their mother lies dying.)
So — to drum up social media interest — the producers asked some sisters to see and review it.
Well, not just “some.”
They sent the Utz family. All 7 of them.
The Utzes grew up in Westport, and all graduated from Staples High School. Claire, Chrissy and Cathy remain. Jamie and Jennifer live in Fairfield. Bo is in Rye Brook, New York, while Lis is the furthest away: Fort Lee, New Jersey.
But all reunited for the play.
What did they think? Click below to see.
==================================================
If you don’t want to cook on Thanksgiving, be thankful for The Cottage.
Chef Bryan Lewis offers a 4-course, prix fixe menu (noon to 5 p.m.). It’s $125 per adult, $65 for children under 12.
Click here to see what’s cooking, and for reservations.
==================================================
Speaking of great meals: CTBites reports that starting today (Tuesday), Saugatuck Provisions will launch “Provisions After Dark.”
It’s a tie-in between chef Matt Storch’s market, and his Match Burger Lobster next door. It’s a way to offer his high-quality products, for people who don’t have the time (or talent?) to cook them.
Customers can select what they want from cases with individual portions of meats and fish — “anything from a dry aged 2-pound porterhouse to a beautiful piece of line caught tuna, or the perfect pork chop,” or a rotisserie chicken, along with a sauce, says CTBites.
Selections will be paired with olive oil griddled potatoes and steamed organic veggies.
It’s available Sunday to Thursday starting at 5 p.m., as an add-on to the existing Match Burger Lobster menu. Provisions will now be open later too. (Click here for the full CTBites story.)
(Photo courtesy of CTBites)
==================================================
Thomas Quealy writes: “I hope ‘06880’ can shine a spotlight on a little corner of our town that could be nicer.
“Behind Town Hall are softball fields used by our local girls. One set of bleachers is absolutely filthy and mildly broken.”
(Photo/Thomas Quealy)
Sounds like it’s time for a little love.
Or at least a power washing.
=================================================
Trumpeter David Sneider brings his swinging feel, flawless technique and deep roots to this week’s Jazz at the Post (October 31, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m; dinner service from 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students).
He’ll be joined by pianist David Zaks, bassist Dan Finn, saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, and drummer Mike Camacho. Click here for tickets.
==================================================
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature looks backward.
Literally.
Here’s an image from Wendy Levy, on her way to Burying Hill Beach:
(Photo/Wendy Levy)
==================================================
And finally … today is the anniversary of Black Tuesday. On this day in 1929 the New York Stock Exchange crashed. It marked the end of the great bull market of the 1920s, and the start of the Great Depression.
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news: political, restaurants, and everything else. If you find this site useful, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
This was the scene yesterday in Norwalk, as workers dismantled the fire-damaged Fairfield Avenue I-95 overpass:
(Photo/News12 Connecticut)
Last night, massive “shears” were brought in from Long Island, to cut the metal. Work will continue all weekend.
Want to watch the ongoing operation, from the comfort of your home? Click here for this fascinating live webcam, courtesy of the state Department of Transportation.
==================================================
Just when you think you’ve seen everything … you realize you haven’t.
A driver yesterday — perhaps unhappy with the I-95-related traffic, perhaps confused, perhaps distracted, but definitely not someone you want behind the wheel — decided to create a new street, in the pedestrian alley between Don Memo and Barnes & Noble.
Employees of Walrus Alley finally stopped him.
(Hat tip and photo/Joelle Malec)
But that’s not all.
He also ran the red light right there.
And drove right past pedestrians in the crosswalk, to make that right hand turn off the Post Road into the very narrow alley.
You can’t make this stuff up.
Nor would you want to.
=================================================
The Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place men’s and women’s shelters, and the Westport Food Pantry at the same site, have temporarily closed.
Homes with Hope has embarked on a $1.2 million renovation of the Jesup Road facility.
Food pantry pick-ups can be made at the Sasco Creek Village community building (1655 Post Road East) across from Goodwill) every weekday except Wednesday, from 1 to 4 p.m.
“It’s sad,” says Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden. “But the result will be happy.”
Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place: temporarily closed.
==================================================
Marc Hartog appreciated “06880”‘s recent Roundup item, noting that AEDs are back in a number of public outdoor locations.
The deputy director of Westport Emergency Medical Service adds: “PulsePoint AED is an app that shows locations of public access AED (automated external defibrillators.
“As long as the user has location permission allowed on their cellphone, it shows the location of the closest AEDs, along with a picture of the location. Clicking on the picture then adds more specific information.
“For example, if I’m near Winslow Park, it says ‘Entrance behind Westport Country Playhouse, by map and dog fountain; address 295 Post Rd East.’
“It also shows who is responsible for that AED (in this case, Norwalk Hospital EMS), along with the email address of the responsible party.
“Or if I’m around Main Street, the map shows 3 public access AEDs: 2 inside Town Hall, 1 outside at the ball field in the rear parking lot.
“The only downside is that the app only shows AEDs that have been registered with PulsePoint by the entity that owns and is responsible for it. There may well be other public access AEDs downtown, possibly within stores or restaurants, but they are not registered and do not show up.
“We strongly encourage any business with an AED to register their location.”
The AED at Winslow Park. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
==================================================
The Westport Country Playhouse’s move to a new format — with plays scheduled for October through April, rather than the summer — will generate a lot of laughs.
In a good way. The 3 shows are comedies, in what the 94-year-old theater is called a “Season of Laughter.”
Each play runs for 3 weeks. The season also includes a holiday offering and musical revue.
“The 39 Steps” (October 22-November 9) is “a fast-paced frenzy of espionage and murderous mayhem … (mixing) Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film with a juicy spy novel, and a dash of Monty Python.”
“Native Gardens” (February 18-March 8) features 2 sets of neighbors, who become “feuding enemies in a backyard battle for the ages.”
“Theatre People” (March 25-April 12) is set in 1948, as Broadway stars gather in a Newport mansion for a weekend of “romance, chaos, and misunderstandings.”
The shorter-run productions are “A Sherlock Carol” (the family holiday show by artistic director Mark Shanahan, back after last year’s sold-out run; December 17-22), and “Broadway Scores at the Playhouse,” songs from the Golden Age to recent musicals (January 23-26).
Season ticket packages for all three longer-run productions start at $68. Tickets will go on sale soon. Click here for complete season details.
PS: In other Playhouse news, a limited number of tickets remain for Bernadette Peters’ evening of songs from music masters (May 19, 7 p.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Also: A third Mike Birbiglia “Please Stop the Ride” show has been added next month. It’s June 4 (8 p.m.).
Tickets to his June 7 performance are sold out. There are only a few seats left for the second one (June 5). Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Westport Country Playhouse (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
================================================
The Westport Book Shop is going to the dogs.
Exhibitor of the month Clark Hanford is showing oil paintings featuring dogs. They are painted in 19th century style, and are presented in antique frames.
Hanford has been an artist for over 5 decades, working in painting, clothing and sculpture. Before returning to Westport in 1985, the 1962 Staples High School graduate lived, worked and studied in London for 17 years, making and selling works from his Notting Hill shop.
He has created lifelike sculptures of Marlene Dietrich, Lucille Ball, Katherine Hepburn, Liz Taylor and others, dressed in period clothing made by Clark.
Hanford’s notable clients include Burt Bacharach, Demi Moore, John Entwistle, Elton John, Debbie Reynolds and David Bowie.
A reception is set for May 15 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).
Clark Hanford, at his Westport Book Shop exhibition.
===============================================
All month long, the Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors is running a food drive, to benefit Person-to-Person.
Items — including especially cereal, oatmeal, hearty soups, peanut butter and jelly, protein and granola bars, bags or boxes of rice, canned fruit and vegetables, pasta and sauce, dried and canned beans, nutrition bars, coffee and tea — can be dropped off at the MFCAR office (19 Imperial Avenue, weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.).
The month-long drive ends with a shredding event (June 1, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Colonial Green). Anyone bringing a food donation gets complimentary shredding.
To give a monetary donation to People-to-People, scan the QR code below:
==================================================
Greens Farms Garden Club members are digging in the dirt, preparing for their annual plant sale.
It’s May 18 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sherman Green, Fairfield). They’ll sell locally grown perennials, annuals and surprises.
==================================================
Is there life (besides ours) in the universe?
No one knows. But Caleb Scharf’s insights are probably far better than the rest of us.
NASA’s senior scientist for astrobiology at the Ames Research Center returns to the Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series. He’ll discuss “The Search for Life in the Universe: 2024 and Beyond” on May 21 (8 p.m.; click here for Zoom; click here for YouTube livestream).
This is his third appearance at the WAS. He’ll speak specifically about research in exoplanetary science, exploration of the solar system, and upcoming plans for Mars, Titan, and the Habitable Worlds Observatory (NASA’s future space telescope).
Hello out there!
==================================================
The Joggers Club is moving to the Greens Farms train station, with “fun runs” on Saturdays starting at 8 a.m. It’s a buildup series, free to all registrants in the Fairfield Half Marathon.
The Joggers Club also runs (ho ho) Track Nights (Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., Staples High School track) and a Kids Run Club (Sundays, 4 p.m., Staples High School track; $25 per session, grades K-8).
Joggers Club memberships ($50) include a free Lululemon running shirt ($78 value), a year of free coffee and bagels after each run, plus fitness and friends.
They’re on Strava, Facebook, Instagram and www.TheJoggersClub.com.
==================================================
The Cottage is offering a prix fixe, 4-course Mother’s Day meal.
From noon to 5 p.m. next Sunday (May 12; $110 per adult, $55 per child, not including tax and tip), chef Brian Lewis rolls out the red carpet for Mom and her family.
Click here for the menu, and reservations.
==================================================
When Fantasia headlined a tribute to Clive Davis recently at Carnegie Hall, she did so with her voice — and an elegant gown.
It was designed, Essence says, by Christian Siriano, “who has built quite a name for himself in the fashion industry. The lavender long sleeve dress featured a leg slit and a black feather trim all around the gown, causing a dramatic, old Hollywood effect.”
Siriano is — in addition to being a former Project Runway winner — a Westporter. His Collective West collection is on Post Road West.
Click here for the full Essence story. (Hat tip: Danielle Teplica)
Fantasia, and her Christian Siriano gown. (Photo courtesy of Essence)
==================================================
Lift Wellness will hold a ribbon cutting for the opening of its mental health and eating disorder partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment for teens and adults at their 8 Myrtle Avenue location on May 17 (11 a.m.).
The timing is appropriate: This is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Attendees can enjoy food, take a tour, and pick up swag. Click here for more information.
=================================================
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo highlights the Longshore golf course, in full, beautiful bloom:
(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)
==================================================
And finally … Fantasia was wearing a non-Christian Siriano outfit (see story above) in this 411 million-view video.
But she still looks (and sounds) great.
(From high fashion to homeless shelters, “06880” has our town covered. This is “where Westport meets the world.” We rely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
=======================================================
A Westporter helps Westporters who help the world.
That was the theme of David Pogue’s telecast yesterday. He walked a few yards from his home, to Melissa and Doug Bernstein’s. There — with a “CBS Sunday Morning” camera crew — he interviewed the toy company co-founder about her lifelong battle with existential anguish and depression.
The Bernsteins’ new project — Lifelines — is an ecosystem for mental health support, resources and education. Pogue brought their work to a national television audience. Click below for that very important report.
=======================================================
The Cottage is expanding.
Brian Lewis — chef/owner of the very popular Colonial Green restaurant (and OKO, on Wilton Road) is opening another Cottage in Greenwich.
The 49 Greenwich Avenue spot will seat over 60. As in Westport, it will celebrate seasonal ingredients, sourced from local purveyors and farmers. The Cottage Greenwich is slated to open later this year.
“We’ve always looked forward to the day that we can bring The Cottage to a new market after being so blessed with our devoted clientele and hardworking team in Westport,” says Lewis.
“As we experienced such continued support during COVID and after 6 successful years in Westport, the time was right to grow and find a sister location to complement the original Cottage.”
=======================================================
And finally … well, it’s March 15, so beware!
Posted in Local business, Media, Restaurants
Tagged Brian Lewis, CBS "Sunday Morning", David Pogue, Melissa & Doug, Melissa Bernstein, The Cottage
One of my favorite New Year’s traditions is the SyFy channel’s “Twilight Zone” marathon.
It airs December 31 and January 1 — one great, thought-provoking, stand-the-test-of-time episode after another.
Rod Serling began writing and introducing his stories while he lived in Westport — right down the street from my family, in fact, on High Point Road.
Some were influenced by this suburban, post-war town. And “A Stop at Willoughby” — with a train conductor calling out to a time traveler, “Next stop: Westport!” — is on tomorrow (Thursday, December 31) at 9:20 p.m. Click here for the full schedule.
Congratulations to The Cottage and Kawa Ni — and their owners, Brian Lewis and Bill Taibe respectively. Both are included in Connecticut Magazine’s list of the Top 15 restaurants in the state.
That means our town includes more than 13% of all the best restaurants!
Did you miss last night’s full Full Cold Moon?
Wendy Crowther sure didn’t.
(Photo/Wendy Crowther)
And finally … influential bluegrass and new acoustic singer/guitarist Tony Rice died Saturday in North Carolina. He was 69.
Posted in Entertainment, Media, People, Restaurants
Tagged Connecticut Magazine, Fox Moon, Kawa Ni, Rod Serling, SyFy, The Cottage, Twlight Zone
It hasn’t been easy to score a reservation for The Cottage — chef Brian Lewis’ highly acclaimed restaurant featuring locally sourced cuisine, dedicated to seasonal American cooking with casual simplicity and coastal charm. Menus change weekly.
It’s a bit easier now. And for a very good reason: An additional 800 square feet in Colonial Green.
The Cottage’s next-door expansion includes seating for parties of 10 at a window seat banquette. Reservations are required.
There’s also full-service dining at the 10-seat bar, with a new cocktail menu, local draft beers and an expanded wine program. Bar seating is walk-in only.
If your New Year’s resolution is “Get a meal at the Cottage,” you’re in much more luck now.
“Hamilton” tickets, however, are still pretty much out of reach.
The newly expanded Cottage.
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)