summerscapes 2012

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Special Section to: Greenwich Post I The Darien Times I New Canaan Advertiser I The Ridgefield Press I The Wilton Bulletin I The Redding Pilot I The Weston Forum I The Lewisboro Ledger

SummerScapes

HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS

For teenage girls as well as for most women buyingswimwear is a Momentous Decision. So what will it be in thesummer of 2012?

This season, sunscreen products should sell verywell because therell be lots of Ms., Miss and Mrs.sskin showing at the beach and around the pool.Bikinis have added a couple of inches of fabricfor the more conservative crowd, but theskimpiest of the skimpy is still popular.

The perfect answer for most women isthe less-revealing Tankini a two-piecewith a tank top that covers the belly andmost of the panty. Many of them have skirt

bottoms, flattering to lots of different bodies.Kelly Kegan of Swimn Surf in Fairfield sees

the comeback of the classic one-piece swimsuit, but cuthigher on the leg and quite a bit more sophisticated.These come in various textures, a crocheted look aswell as spandex stretch, and theres some-thing sexy about not exposing the midriff.

Colors are neon bright. Prints, stripesand dots are all available, but solid colorsare looking very good.

Whats really big news is what goes over the swimsuit cover-ups have come into their own.

No longer just a floaty sheer fabric, this seasons cover-upsare fashion-savvy and are also worn as dresses awayfrom the beach, often all day long. Rosie Costello of

Everythings Rosey in Darien said most of hercustomers buy three or four because theyre so

comfortable, so summery, so versatile. Thereare tunics, shifts and breezy shirt shapes ina great choice of colors, fabrics and styles.Lyn Evans Potpourri Designs in Ridgefieldand New Canaan agrees that these dress-likecover-ups are a fashion trend here to stay.

Metro Swim in Norwalk has swimwear forthe whole family from six-month-old babies to

Grandma and Grandpa. They have just about every

swimsuit Speedo makes, including the

new Olympic line. There are workout

suits for swimmers who care more

about fitness than looks and fash-

ion swimwear for everyone else

Sam is wearing Quicksilver Boardshorts four-way stretch, quick-dry, ultra lightweight and a Hurley shirt, with ultraviolet light ray protection, from Swim n Surf, 43 Unquowa Road in Fairfield. Bryan Haeffe le photo

To swim or not to swim?WHAT TO WEAR IS THE QUESTION

By Lois Alcosser

Swim n Surf

43 Unquowa Road

Fairfield203-292-6351

Everythings Rosey

1015 Boston Post Road

Darien203-722-6060

MetroSwim

181 Westport AvenueNorwalk

203-226-8848

Lyn Evans Potpourri Designs

423 Main Street

Ridgefield203-244-2980

103 Elm StreetNew Canaan203-972-3620

Huttons

15 Bailey Avenue

Ridgefield203-438-6989

Beach Corner

102 Main Street

New Canaan203-966-4644

Tahiti Street

84 Greenwich AvenueGreenwich

203-622-1878

Stamford Town Center

100 Greyrock Place

Stamford

Danbury Fair Mall

7 Backus AvenueDanbury

Where to Buy

Suits continued on page 7


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June 21, 2012 SummerScapes Hersam Acorn Newspapers 3

SUMMER ENTERTAINING

Make it a lobster clambake!By Julie Butler Evans

Summer features plenty of backyard barbecues, the aromaof grilled burgers, hot dogs, steak or chicken wafting throughthe air. Thats fine, thats tasty, thats typical. But what about abackyard lobster clambake? Now theres a way to put a verysummer-y stamp on a backyard party or special occasion!

Vicki Nye, co-owner of Captn Johns Clambakes whichhas been providing Connecticut with classic New Englandclambakes for 33 years said that they can do clambakes any-where, from small backyards to beaches to large yacht club andcorporate events, but that the key to any great clambake, firstand foremost, is the quality of the seafood.

All of our seafood is brought in fresh the day of the event,she said. Even the lobster.

Cathy Caminiti-Szabo, co-owner with her husband, Dan, ofSzabos Seafood in Shelton, agreed.

There could be nothing worse than not having freshly-caughtor bought seafood, she said, especially for a clambake.

Caminiti-Szabo said that Szabos Seafood has been cateringclambakes since 2000, and that a typical offering to a clientwill include a choice of chowder or steamed clams or mussells,cooked shrimp or a raw bar, and lobster, swordfish, chicken orsteak.

The most popular combination is lobster and steak, shesaid. With corn-on-the-cob and cole slaw.

Captn Johns also offers a variety of choices.Most often the clambake will consist of a half-pound Maine

lobster, steamers, mussles, corn and potato, with add-ons suchas a raw bar, and a variety of salads made fresh by us, Nyesaid. Especially our chowders they are homemade, not outof a can.

A typical party starts with our staff arriving with all the freshfood and the equipment needed to cook and serve the foodon site, said Nye. We bring grills, charcoal, plates, napkins,knifes, forks, spoons, wet naps, bibs everything!

Both companies also offer special kids menus, such as ham-

burgers and hot dogs for the less seafood-savvy young palate,plus corn and watermelon.

Captn Johns also offers Travelin Clambakes, for one ormore, that come ready-to-cook in a reusable pot that is yoursto keep. Each contains a quarter-pound lobster, corn, potato,mussels, clams and little sausages, and are available in threedifferent-sized pots.

All you do is had some liquid, put it on a heat source andyoure done! said Nye.

Whether you want to hold a cozy clambake or a large lobster-fest, the summer months are the time to do it.

Captn Johns Clambakes, 99 Commerce Street in Norwalk, can bereached at 203-866-4343, or visit captainjohns.com.

Szabos Seafood, located at 615 Howe Avenue in Shelton, can bereached at 203-922-1191 or visit szabos-seafood.com.

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Darien, CT

203-956-5893 - [email protected] - www.dockshop.com

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4 SummerScapes Hersam Acorn Newspapers June 21, 2012

Little SparklersBy Amanda BomannWalking into Little Sparklers is like walk-

ing into a big, delicious puff of pink cottoncandy. Oversized candy bowls act as center-pieces, the rugs are a funky zebra print anddressing room mirrors hang on the very, verypink walls. It is little girl bliss.

Little Sparklers, a jewelry-making studiofor pre-tweens and tweens, is the creationof Lindsay Cain, owner of Femmegems,a design-your-own jewelry business.Both are located on Greenwich Avenue inGreenwich.

Ive had a demand from my custom-ers who were mothers to do parties fortheir daughters since the day I opened inGreenwich, said Cain.

Located in the back of the Ella Vickersstore and just a few doors down fromFemmegems, Little Sparklers ignited last fall(2011).

Ava Lee, age seven, was celebrating herbirthday the day I visited. The room was fullof the sound of little girls giggling and TaylorSwift strumming.

This was the perfect activity for a birth-day party because it is creative and the jew-

elry is something everyone can be proud ofand take home to wear for many years, saidthe birthday girls mother Gloria Lee.

Little Sparklers partiesCatering to little girls who want to be just

as sparkly as their moms, Cain devised avariety of activities, including Little Sparklersparties for ages seven to 10, Sparklers par-ties for ages 10 to 13 (boys can be invited!),appointments and drop-in hours. Each guestat the parties create two custom designed

pieces of jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, ankletsor drop earrings). Personalized party invitesor emailed invites are provided as well as apersonalized copy of Cains book Get YourSparkle On. Guests bring their jewels homein pouches provided by the store. But noneof this compares to the grand finale a redcarpet runway show complete with wigs,sunglasses and paparazzi (a.k.a. the storestaff) taking photos. The celebrity photosare compiled into an online album that thebirthday mom can forward to parents. LittleSparklers also provides thank you cards thatinclude party photos.

Add-ons to the party include snacks fromWhole Foods, cupcakes from Crumbs andthe ultimate grooming activity for showingoff new jewels professional pedicures.

But, most importantly: is a Little Sparklersparty fun? Of course, as only a seven-year-old can put into words.

This birthday party is fun, said ClaireHesser, an attendee of Avas party. It is kindof different. At school we have to learn a lotand dont get to eat cookies.

Ive never made my own necklace before,

said Georgia Palmgren, another guest. AndI like cake.

Bead boards are provided to help lay outthe designs before stringing and only qualitymaterials are used.

I made a conscious effort to offer sophis-ticated materials that are still age-appropri-ate, said Cain. The materials make the girlsfeel special.

For years, Cain has wanted to make theprivate jewelry-designing parties that herstore Femmegems offers available to chil-dren, and was waiting for the perfect spaceto open. When a room in the back of the

Ella Vickers store became vacant, the wineand hors doeuvres adult parties were trans-formed into a tween dream.

But the best part about her new businessfor Cain is watching the girls experience.

I love seeing the girls faces when theywalk in the studio, she said. Their eyes canthide their excitement. Theres a great visceralreaction where every girl seems to instinctivelyrun her hands through the bowls of beads. Thered carpet shows, however, are my favoritepart of the parties. The girls cut loose and rock

out in their new creations with their pals, andit is great to see them just be crazy kids.

And the Little Sparklers experience is notjust for in-store parties. This past winter,Little Sparklers began partnering with eventplanners to offer off-site jewelry making atevents such as Sweet 16s and Bat Mitzvahs.

Little Sparklers parties start at $385 for upto eight children. Drop-in hours are postedonline and change weekly and are fullystaffed, so moms can run errands and thereis no charge beyond the cost of the jewelry.

For more information, visit littlesparklers.com or call (203) 622-2990.

Above: Little Sparklers owner Lindsay Cain and birthday girl Ava Lee. Right: Party guests Ashley Aufderheide, Georgia Palmgren, Cameron Butz and Claire Hesser.


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Celebrate these lazy, hazy, crazy days of summerby eating at restaurants with a view of the water oron an outdoor deck. The following list of restaurantsare good choices and range from casual to upscale.Each has something unique to offer: all feature freshfish with landlubber options available, a liquorlicense, free parking and are open every day. Mosthave a raw bar; a few have dock slips, others offerlive entertainment and many have been on localThe Best of lists.

Marnicks Restaurant and Rodeway Inn10 Washington ParkwayStratford, CT 06115203-377-6288

Breakfast, lunch dinner

Dont miss the double meat lobster roll servedwith fries and a side of Cole Slaw, said many regu-lars about this right-on-the-beach, family friendlyrestaurant. Tables with unobstructed views of LongIsland Sound are available inside or out on their newdeck and bar. Marnicks is right on Long Beach sosave time for a stroll. Next door is The Rodeway Innwhich makes spending a few nights here a temptingoption.

Costa Azzurra72 BroadwayMilford, CT 06460203- 878-6688Lunch and dinner weekdays, and dinner only on Saturdayand Sunday

This intimate American-Italian-American fam-ily-run restaurant has been in business since 1972.Its best described as a hidden gem, with its unob-structed views of Long Island Sound and CharlesIsland. A wide selection of seafood and traditionalItalian dishes are on the menu with ExecutiveChef Pietro do Nicolos signature dishes of VealSaltimbocca and Zuppa die Pesce, which is enoughto serve two people. Two large and recently reno-vated beach-side banquet rooms are available forcatering and special events.

LaRoue Elayne at Cobbs Mill Inn12 Old Mill RoadWeston, CT 06883203-227-7221

Lunch and dinner

The J.K. Country Caf, a stylish coffee bar, withpastries and sundries, will open mid-summer.

Known for its romantic setting and as one ofthe prettiest places in Connecticut to dine, the for-mer Cobbs Mill Inn recently re-opened under newownership by partners Drew Friedman and ElayneCassara.

Food with an Italian, French and Continentalflair is served in several of the newly renovated din-ing rooms. Nearing completion is the screened deck

The views from the Sunset Grille in Norwalk are as tempting as the items on the menu. Courtesy of Sunset Grille

A meal with a water viewTHE QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER EXPERIENCE

By Polly Tafrate

Minerals Butterflies Handcrafted Jewelry Fossils Shells Games Nature Toys

And Much More!


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June 21, 2012 SummerScapes Hersam Acorn Newspapers 7

overlooking the Saugatuck River and its spec-tacular waterfall for outside dining. Formerowner Domenic Cocchia has returned as gen-eral manager, assuring past patrons that someof their New England favorites will be back onthe menu, but perhaps with a modern twist.He recommends one of Executive Chefs,Michael Achilles signature dishes, Siam StyleSeafood Stew, but adds, Not many haveFrench onion soup as good as ours.

A host of live entertainment will be offeredon many nights, ranging from straight plays to

cabaret-style entertainment, as well as dancingto live bands.

Sunset Grille52 Calf Pasture Beach RoadNorwalk, CT203-866-4177Lunch and dinner

Although adjacent to Calf Pasture Beach,the entrance to Sunset Grille is from NorwalkCove Marina and one must meander to theend of the boat yard before finding this fam-ily-friendly restaurant. Sit in the dining roomwith its large picture windows overlookingthe sound, at outdoor tables on the watersedge, or under the awning which offers alittle more shade. Ninety percent of the foodwe serve is seafood, says Manager Felipe.Aside from the traditional clams, oysters andNew England chowder, other favorites arepan seared sea scallops, grilled swordfish andPaella ala Valenciana.

Boat slips are available through NorwalkCove Marina. Live music on Friday, Saturdayand Sunday afternoons, weather permitting.

The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood89 Rowayton AvenueRowayton, CT203-866-4488Lunch and dinner

Yankee Magazine listed this one on itsBest in New England Seafood. Startingas a fish market in 1996, a restaurant wasadded the following year. Its remained thesame casual, family-friendly restaurant andhas a loyal following of staff and custom-ers. Seating is on the covered porch withstunning views of The Five Mile River.Favorites are Seafood Stew, its always beenon the menu, plus the usual fare of oys-ters, chowders and lobsters and innovativeseasonal dishes created by Executive ChefChris North. For more casual eating, the fishmarket across the way offers take-out withoutdoor picnic tables.

Reservations are a must for a boat slip anddinner. Valet parking is available.

Lescale Restaurant500 Steamboat RoadGreenwich, CT 06830203-661-4600Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch

This upscale and sophisticated restaurantoverlooks Greenwich Harbor. Its known for itsfabulous bar as well as dining on the picturesqueterrace or elegant dining room, which makesthis a favorite for Greenwich-ites, especiallythe suits and stiletto crowd. Its contemporaryProvencal menu changes seasonally. Signaturedishes are Dover sole with lemon caper Beurreblanc, fresh seafood from the raw bar and dryaged black Angus steaks. Private rooms areavailable for weddings and other events. The

Delamar Hotel with the same waterfront settingis but a walk through the lobby.

Reservations suggested, valet parking.

So-No Seafood100 Water StreetNorwalk, CT 06859203-854-9483Lunch and dinner

What started as a fish market in 1983extended into a popular waterfront restau-

rant the following year. One can sit inside atthis cozy, family-friendly restaurant or on thespacious outdoor deck overlooking NorwalkHarbor. Waiter Ed Pinede describes it as hav-ing a vacation feel without having to leavehome. The galley special is fish and chips;other favorites are seafood platters, lobsterpot-pies and homemade chowders, all madeby longtime chefs Omar and Gerardo. Itswithin easy walking distance of The MaritimeCenter and charming SoNo.

Four boat slips on a first come basis.

Harbor Lights82 Seaview AvenueNorwalk, CT 06855203-866-3364Lunch and dinner

This is a restaurant that happens to beon the water, said owner Chris Gavrielidis.The view comes with the restaurant, allow-ing us to concentrate on the menu. Opensince 2001, the glassed-in dining room terraceoverlooks Norwalk Harbor. Although close toCalf Pasture beach, proper attire is requiredfor this tasteful and beautiful restaurant. Thecontemporary menu has a Mediterranean flairwith a signature dish of lobster Sartorini.Another favorite is lobster risotto, chock fullof big pieces of lobster.

Reservations needed for dinner and boatslip.

The Sunset Grille dining room. Courtesy of Sunset Grille

in the family. Boys still love those long, board-

style swim shorts that are almost pants and their

dads are also wearing longer swim trunks, often

in surprisingly colorful, tropically flowered pat-

terns. The serious swimmer Speedo suits look

pretty sensational on trim, slim people.

Douglas Hutton of Huttons in Ridgefield(fine mens wear since 1875) said he couldntsell tight-fitting, body revealing swimwear inhis store. His customers want well-made, well-designed swim trunks in solid colors or prints,if theyre subtle and have a country club look.The mens story, according to Hutton, is not

flamboyant. Yes, there are those extrovertswholl barely cover their vital parts, but theyrenot his customers, who want more of a GeorgeClooney look.

Most everyones favorite pastime at thebeach is people-watching and the fact thatwere all so willing to come out and shed thecoats, sweaters, pants and boots weve beenwearing all winter and bare our bodies, if notour souls, is quite an event. Which makes thepurchase of swimwear particularly sensitive.

Fortunately, the local shopkeepers aroundour towns are friendly, experienced and reallywant their customers to look good and feeleven better on the beach. That makes for a coolsummer, no matter what the temperature.

Suitscontinued from page 1

(Your feet will lead you to where your heart is.)

Sue Brotherton, TCRG

Celebrating 15 Years of Irish Dance

OUTDOOR DECK

IS OPEN FOR SUMMER DINING!

www.countrywillowkids.com

Can not be combined with prior purchases, clearance ordeeply discounted samples. Coupon Expires July, 30 2012

RIDG6.1

2

Quick


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Sand, scenery, exercise and always run-ning into someone you know. Those are thebig draws for Karen Pasacreta Sessler, a lifelongMilford resident, at Silver Sands State Park. Themom of three girls, ages 15, three and one, loveswalking along the boardwalk from one beach tothe other. That boardwalk has become a socialhub for Milford. Its truly one of the citys bestfeatures, she said, adding that it needs to be

respected and treasured for everyone to enjoy.Looking for a stroll by the sea without get-

ting sand in the toes? One of Connecticutsboardwalks is the perfect summer excursion.Heres where to head.

Silver Sands State Park, EastBroadway (off Meadowside Road.), Milford,203-735-4311. Free parking, but closes atsunset. Theres much for kids to enjoy alongthe nearly-new, three-quarter-mile boardwalkconnecting this state park to Walnut Beach from counting the distance with the 1/10th-mile markers to looking out for deer, heron

and egrets. A few ramps along the way allowfor easy beach access. Gaze out at CharlesIsland and share the legend of Captain Kiddand the treasure he buried there in 1699.While the seaside boardwalk is a bit of a hikefrom the parking area, the parks originalboardwalk, which cuts through the marsh, isan adventure in itself.

Bradley Point Park, Captain ThomasBoulevard, West Haven. A $10 daily parkingfee for non-residents ($5 after 4 p.m.). Alonga 1.7-mile walkway, expect spectacular viewsof Long Island Sound to one side and vol-leyball players and kite flyers to the other.Pedestrians, bicyclists and roller-bladers cantake a break or take in the scene whichincludes the beach below and rocky areasideal for exploring from park benchesalong the way. Oh, and bring Fido or Roveralong: the boardwalk even has a canine waterfountain.

Niantic Bay Boardwalk, Main Street atNiantic River Bridge, East Lyme, nianticboard-walk.org. Free parking. This 1.1-mile board-walk stretches from Cini Park to Hole-in-the-Wall beach and is walking distance fromshops and restaurants along Niantics MainStreet. One half, a true boardwalk, passesover dunes and offers access to a white-sandbeach. The other half is a wide gravel path

built on a rock foundation right on the waterso that waves are lapping against those rocks.Seal spotting is also a possibility! Benches andinterpretive signs offer the chance to chill outand learn something about the coastal envi-ronment and its history.

Captains Cove Seaport, 1 BostwickAvenue, Bridgeport, 203-335-1433, captain-scoveseaport.com. Free parking. On one endof Captain Coves short boardwalk is themarina at Historic Black Rock Harbor and acasual indoor/outdoor restaurant featuringa giant fish tank. Besides several boats and

other vehicles for kids to climb aboard, theresa stockade picture spot, and harbor cruisetours are available on weekends. The otherside of the boardwalk is for strolling past ador-able miniature shops built in Colonial andVictorian architectural styles. Adults will stopin for the handcrafts, artwork and jewelry, butdont expect the kids to pass by the candies orice cream shops.

Saint Marys by the Sea, Eames Boulevard(via Gilman St.), Bridgeport, lisrc.uconn.edu/coastalaccess (search for Bridgeport). On-streetparking. Located in a Black Rock neighborhoodof beautiful homes with both harbor and LongIsland Sound views, this half-mile walkway ispartially on street level and partially below it.Binoculars will help in checking out the birds(be on the lookout for parrots if you wanderinland a bit). BYO bucket if you want to try outsome clamming, or bring a fishing pole and fishright from the walkway. The camera is a goodidea, too.

Captains Cove Seaport. Bryan Haeffele photo

CONNECTICUT BOARDWALKS

Strolling by the seaBy Melissa Ezarik

SPEND A COOL SUMMER WITH US!

GROUP SKATING LESSONS CAMP

JUNE 25 - AUG. 24, 2012

AGES 6 - 11

MON. - FRI. 9:00AM - 1:20PM

SUMMER TEEN GROUP LESSON CAMP

AGES 12-17

16th AnnualSummer Skating School

June 25 - August 24, 2012

summerscapes 2012

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