Just a decade ago, Fairfield’s restaurants were eating Westport’s lunch.
Our neighbor to the east still has a great, diverse dining scene.
But diners far and wide are eating ours up, too.
In fact, there are way too many Westport restaurants to cram into one week.
So the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Restaurant Week will be two.
Zucca Gastrobar is last alphabetically. But it’s first on many diners’ lists.
It begins tomorrow (Sunday, September 28), and runs through Sunday, October 12. (So, to be technical, it actually spans 2 months)..
The 2025 event features nearly 20 venues, offering a variety of prix fixe meals to suit any interest and pocketbook. They range from one end of Westport, and Saugatuck, all the way to an honorary spot in Southport.
Take that, Fairfield! This is the scene at The Blondinit.
Some restaurants offer just lunch, others just dinner. Most serve both.
Meanwhile, tonight’s Long Lots School Building Committee meeting has been canceled.
Also canceled: The June 11 Representative Town Meeting Environment Committee session, regarding a possible ordinance banning new artificial turf athletic fields.
That meeting did not specifically involve Long Lots. However, the elementary school may become part of the discussion. The composition of the new field there — artificial turf or grass — has not yet been determined.
One sketch of the proposed Long Lots School, on the LLSBC page.
But the Westport Library is ready, with the return of their Kids’ Summer Reading Program and Adult Summer Reading Challenge.
From now through September 1, youngsters are encouraged to read anything, anytime, anywhere — while earning free books, and a chance to win a prize. “Every minute counts, and every reader wins,” the Library says.
When Ethan Walmark was in pre-K, his teacher advised the neurodiverse boy’s parents to take away his music.
“You want him to be in our world, not his,” she said.
Fortunately, they disregarded that advice.
The 2024 Staples High School graduate just finished his freshman year at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. He earned a 3.71 GPA, and was inducted into the Honor Society for first-year academic success.
This Thursday (June 5, 5 to 7 p.m.), he’ll bring his prodigious talent to Times Square.
Ethan will star on the Broadway and 46th Street Stage, as part of the ”2025 Neurodivergent Tour.” He’ll sing, and perform 6 songs on keyboards and guitar.
With a band and 2 solo artists besides Ethan, the free, groundbreaking show highlights exceptional artists from around the country.
It’s more than a concert. It’s a statement: The time is now to embrace the diverse talents of all neurodiverse people.
Ethan’s mom, Allison Ziering Walmark, says “For ages, the mantra for parents and caregivers has been, ‘Different, not less than.’ The Neurodiversity Tour will reinforce that to thousands of Times Square tourists, visitors and commuters.”
Ethan Walmark’s bio, from the Neurodiversity Tour.
Two of downtown’s most interesting people — WEST owner Kitt Shapiro and TAP Strength founder EJ Zebro — join forces tomorrow night (Wednesday, 6 to 7 p.m.).
The event at TAP Strength (180 Post Road East) is called “Effortless Effort: A Conversation on Community, Relationships, and the Power of Belonging.”
The wellness experts and business leaders will share tips for living longer and feeling better.
EJ will wrap up the talk with an “immersive experience”: practical tools to incorporate new habits of movement and mindfulness into daily life.
To RSVP and for more information, email info@tapstrength.com.
For 8 years, Kaia Levine and her family have worked with Jeanette Romanello, a kindergarten teacher at Bridgeport’s Read Elementary School.
Throughout the year, Kaia — an artistic and committed Staples High School students — creates seasons arts and crafts projects for the kids.
Now she’s doing even more. On June 8 (noon to 4 p.m.), she’ll host a pop-up thrift store in a corner of the Old Mill Beach parking lot.
“The Giving Rack” will include used (and some new) clothes from popular teen brands — all donated by close friends. Every dollar raised will go to the Read School.
Showing some love for Read Elementary School students.
The Bridge at Saugatuck’s outdoor dining area has opened.
Nestled along the river, the open-air seating and cabanas have drawn enthusiastic crowds.
And the weather isn’t even that great yet.
Between the enormous horseshoe bar, adjacent patio, upstairs indoor and outdoor tables, and now the riverside option, there’s a lot to choose from.
That’s before even opening the menu.
Outdoor dining at The Bridge.
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Speaking of (relatively) new Saugatuck restaurants: Zucca Gastrobar just celebrated their second anniversary. The Charles Street spot has been embraced by the community.
And their outdoor dining is also open for the season.
Zucca, on Charles Street.
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Always popular (and hometown) singer Melissa Newman headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post.
And, as always, it’s on Thursday (June 5), at VFW Post 399. Sets are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner starts at 7. Music cover is $20; $15 for veterans and students.
Melissa will be joined by guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard.
Melissa Newman
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Steve Wheeler — a 1970 Staples High School graduate, who in 1974 became the first Connecticut runner to run a sub-4-minute mile — died suddenly in Oregon last Tuesday. He was 73.
Wheeler went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration. He had a long career in city management, including assistant city manaager in El Cajon, California, and cit manager of Hood River, Oregon.
Wheeler continued to run into his 60s. He is survived by his wife Nancy; children Jeff and Emily, and grandson Tyler, a budding track star.
Steve Wheeler (Duke) sets the pace in a Duke relay race. (Photo/Sir Walter Miler)
Lauri Weiser sends along today’s stunning “Westport … Naturally” photo, with a simple but heartfelt message: “I love coming home to my beautiful garden.”
And finally … in honor of the Westport Astronomical Society’s 50th anniversary:
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Greens Farms Academy head of school Bob Whelan is well-known for his whimsical snow closing videos.
Now he’s branched out.
Looking completely at ease in a super-sized elf costume, the school’s top dog offers a unique holiday video.
Click below to see. Ho ho ho!
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One of the hottest toys this holiday season are Jellycats.
The whimsical, creative creatures have flown off most store shelves. Late-shopping Westport parents are desperate to find any.
And if they’re online, it’s getting late to ship them.
Attention, Westport shoppers! Savvy + Grace — the store that seems to cram everything into its funky Main Street space — has a great supply.
At least, they did up until this announcement …
Bartholomew Bear — one of the very popular Jellycats.
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Speaking still of the holidays: The Selectwomen’s office celebrated yesterday with festive sweaters (and more).
Taking a moment out from another busy day are (below, from right) 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, office manager Eileen Francis, operations director Tom Kiely and administrative assistant Sara Amaro.
The wreath is courtesy of Wreathing for Community. It was made by a member of Neighbors and Newcomers of Westport.
Also yesterday: It was hardly a blue Christmas at VFW Post 399.
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll lit up a large crowd of veterand and friends at the Riverside Avenue club, with music, camaraderie and holiday cheer,
Everyone — from Elvis to you — is always welcome at the VFW. It’s one of Westport’s best (and least expensive) event spaces. For more information, email quartermaster Phil Delgado: delgadopa@icloud.com.
Elvis was in the building.
From left: VFW bartender/radio personality/actor Matt Zako, Elvis, and VFW auxiliary vice president Patty Kondub.
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Speaking yet again of Christmas: Santa Claus is a very busy man.
But he’s still gotta eat.
Before making his rounds, he’ll stop by for brunch at Zucca Gastrobar.
Between bites, he’ll pose for pictures.
The Big Guy will be at the popular Saugatuck restaurant tomorrow (Sunday, December 22), from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Guests are invited to wear PJs, or their favorite ugly Christmas sweater.
Seating is limited. Click here for reservations, or call 203-349-5227.
Santa is on his way tomorrow.
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With temperatures expected to drop — tomorrow’s high will only be 24, with a low of 10 overnight — local warming centers will be open. Sunday times include the Westport Library (1 to 5 p.m.), Westport Museum for History & Culture (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Westport Weston Family YMCA (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and MoCA Westport (noon to 4 p.m.).
And finally … Michael Brewer — half of Brewer & Shipley — died Tuesday at his home in Branson, Missouri. He was 80.
Their biggest hit was “One Toke Over the Line.” The catchy tune’s weed-touting lyrics went high over the head of Lawrence Welk, who featured it on his show because it had a line about “sweet Jesus.”
But this overlooked song of theirs is at least as good, and far more meaningful:
(From Greens Farms Academy to the VFW — and from Elvis to Lawrence Welk — “06880”‘ is your 24/7/365 source of information, news, and random stuff. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Since opening nearly a year and a half ago, Zucca Gastrobar has made a mark in Westport.
Its bar draws regulars from the Saugatuck neighborhood. Its tables are filled with families, businesspeople, and couples on dates.
The menu is exciting. The interior is inviting.
But creating — and sustaining — a new restaurant doesn’t just happen. It takes hard work, behind the scenes.
And no one works harder than Kirsten Comfort.
Kirsten Comfort, outside Zucca.
Her title is “working partner.” That hardly describes her role.
Kirsten does more than order provisions, oversee the kitchen and staff, and handle money.
She makes pizzas. She arranges flower pots. She washes dishes.
Her car is the only one in the Charles Street parking lot long before Zucca opens. It’s the only one there long after it closes.
Kirsten loves it all.
She lives and breathes Zucca. And she eats there too — every day.
Zucca, where Kirsten Comfort spends most hours every day.
The West Haven native has worked in restaurants since she was 14. She spent 10 years at Biagetti’s, an Italian spot that became her “second family.”
She studied criminal justice at the University of New Haven, but friendships with customers and staff kept drawing her back to hospitality.
She worked for five years at Little Pub in Wilton, then opened its sister restaurant in Stratford.
Kirsten met Gino Racanelli and Dan Camporeale, whose restaurant group owned restaurants like Molto in Darien and Fairfield, and Spiga in New Canaan. They were kindred spirits.
After 4 months managing their Ecco tapas and wine bar in Trumbull, they asked her to be part of their Zucca venture.
Construction began in October 2022. It opened in the former Tarry Lodge (and before that, many other things, including Abbondanza, Bonda, and way long ago, Esposito’s gas station), in June of 2023.
Since then, Kirsten’s mission has been to make Zucca a friendly, welcoming place for Westporters (and anyone coming off nearby I-95 Exit 17).
Last year, current and former Representative Town Meeting members celebrated Restaurant Week at Zucca.
Her energy inspires her staff. “We have a great group on the floor, and in the kitchen,” she says. “They really want us to succeed. They really care about this place.
“You can teach someone to make pasta, or wash dishes. But you can’t teach them to care.”
She always says yes to groups that ask for help. Zucca donates to school and non-profit fundraisers. They’re at the Taste of Westport, Start-Up Westport and Chamber of Commerce events, among many others.
Last year, they provided a Christmas Eve dinner for Homes with Hope.
Zucca chefs, helping Homes with Hope at Christmas.
Kristen says that Westporters are “very, very kind.” Regulars like Dave Briggs and Pete Romano (who sent flowers on Zucca’s first anniversary) are “lovely, loyal, generous people. You don’t get that in a lot of places.
“They love the food, the atmosphere and the vibe. They don’t want anything in return.”
Kirsten always looks for new ways to draw customers. She’s sponsored a bourbon and cigar night, and burrata-making classes. Up soon: a wine dinner.
“Whatever we do, we have fun,” Kirsten says.
It shows. You might find the managing partner outside cleaning the parking lot. Or inside, cleaning a table or oven.
The restaurant business can be brutal. But Kirsten Comfort has been in it since she was 14. At Zucca, she’s found her new “second family.
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