Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital brings top-ranked specialties, and some of the brightest minds in medicine, closer to you with locations in Greenwich, Norwalk, Trumbull and Bridgeport. From allergies to cancer treatment, children are cared for by a comprehensive team of leading experts in a facility tailored to the unique needs of children. All from a children’s hospital ranked in more specialties than any other children’s hospital in Connecticut.
Find the right specialist for your child:
877-925-3637 (877-YALE-MDS)
Fairfield County Locations
5 Perryridge Rd., Greenwich
500 West Putnam Ave., Greenwich
747 Belden Ave., Norwalk
5520 Park Ave., Trumbull
267 Grant St., Bridgeport
This stately Victorian has been described as “an ornament to the street”. Arched, oversized double doors open to a soaring center hall with 12-foot ceilings that continue throughout the main floor. Every level of the home’s interior was completely reimagined & renovated in 2022, blending its rich history with today’s design aesthetic & a modern family’s needs. The Second floor presents a Primary Bedroom Suite featuring a breathtaking view of the Trinity Church steeple. Three large guest bedrooms are spread nicely throughout the rest of the Second Floor offer wonderful natural light & privacy. The Third Floor takes full advantage of the home’s significant proportions creating a 1,500+ square feet room with vaulted ceilings that rivals any modern barn. All of this sits on a level, professionally landscaped half acre with in-ground pool in the heart of historic Southport Village.
658 Pequot Avenue, Southport, Connecticut
Offered at $4,050,000 | Contact Matt Lahey 203.767.4190
This charming Circa 1939, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home brims with pride of ownership. The relaxed flow of the main level begins with a formal dining room featuring a coffered ceiling and raised panels. The front to back living room includes a fireplace and built-in cabinets. The spacious kitchen offers granite countertops, a hand painted backsplash, under cabinet lighting, center island and corner-built ins. The kitchen opens onto the sun filled family room with wet bar, recessed lights and French doors opening to a fabulous blue stone patio and private rear yard. The primary suite on the second level showcases custom plantation shutters on the windows, walk-in closet, granite countertop with double sink and a shower stall with body jets. Three bedrooms and a hall bath complete second floor.
115 Smedley Road, Fairfield, Connecticut
Offered at $985,000 | Contact Tim Dailey 203.209.1205
As lifelong Northeasterners, we love the change of seasons, but if we had to pick a favorite, it would surely be summer. As children, summer brought time away from school, summer camp and sometimes fun summer jobs. As parents, summer was spent enjoying outdoor adventures with our children and summer vacations. No matter what our age, we always love the chance to spend more time outdoors. We love hiking, exploring new places far or near, lingering meals outside under the stars and outdoor music.
To celebrate summer, the July Fairfield Lifestyle magazine is focusing its attention on summer fun. We hope you will be inspired to make the delicious summer cocktail recipes shared with us by our friends at Barcelona Wine Bar. If you love gardening this time of year, you will enjoy reading the article about Mia Flora Gardens, a company that designs beautiful floral planters for your home. Finally, for those of you who need a little time off but don’t want to travel too far for your vacation, please head over to Summer Serenity to learn about Winvian Farm, a majestic resort and spa in the Litchfield Hills. Whatever your plans, we hope you will be able to spend more time outdoors, enjoying the weather and longer days. Happy summer Fairfield!
BRUCE BERNSTEIN & MINDY KATZ, PUBLISHERS
@FAIRFIELDLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
July 2023
PUBLISHERS
Bruce Bernstein | bruce.bernstein@citylifestyle.com
Mindy Katz | mindy.katz@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Samantha Beranbom samantha.beranbom@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Amie Copeland Stark
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Haley Hansen Photography, Abby Cole Photography, Dariusz Terepka Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
Proverbs 3:5-6
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
After speaking to a number of real estate professionals, my wife and I decided to work with Cindy and her team because they had the best market insights and most credible marketing plan. They took the time to understand our objectives and really got to know the home leading to a flawless process and a better than expected outcome. We would certainly work with them again!
Our sellers received a great offer for their home right off the bat. No surprise - the house was perfectly maintained and our minor staging enhanced its best features. However, we continued marketing the property understanding that a deal isn’t final until signed. It was a good thing, because the first offer ended up falling apart. However, instead of having to go back to square one, we had a back up offer in hand to pursue. The best part? It was higher than the initial one.
203-625-1025
CINDYRANEY.COM
@CINDYRANEYANDTEAM
Cindy Raney
Black Rock Theater provides professional-level training and performance opportunities for artists of all backgrounds. Within our Academy, students study singing, dancing, and acting in group classes and private lessons to further develop their craft. Our toptier stage productions connect emerging artists with working industry professionals as we produce a full five-show season with Equity contracts. Black Rock Theater operates at the intersection of artistic collaboration and education. blackrocktheater.org
Bringing people together is Leslie Scotto’s passion. Leslie Scotto Events helps people throw weddings, mitzvahs and social events all over CT. She and her team cover all the bases and bring a vast array of experience to help manage any type of event. They have seen and done it all! Creating fun, unforgettable, hassle-free. celebrations. They guarantee the Best. Party. Ever. lesliescottoevents.com
Brooks is a Fairfield mom and Reiki Master, Breathwork + Meditation Guide and Writer. Brooks brings a uniquely grounded approach to her work, anchoring these healing modalities into real life, for real people. Brooks conducts 1:1 Reiki, Breathwork + Meditation sessions at DUNE, Fairfield Beach and small group workshops at Element 50 in downtown Fairfield. Learn more about Brooks and her work at brooksbetts.com and on her instagram @brooksatwork.
Marsillio's Appliance & TV is a third-generation family-owned business, offering all major brands of home appliances and outdoor living products from BBQ’s, refrigeration, and outdoor heating. We strive to provide the best sales experience by helping clients find products that will fit their needs in both dimensions and functionality. Reliable professional delivery and installation services are also available. marsillios.com
Photo provided by Marsillio’s Appliance & TV
Absolute Floor Designs has been in business for over 20 years. AFD specializes in custom area rugs, stair runners, wall to wall carpeting and luxury vinyl plank. We pride ourselves on our unmatched customer
service, streamlined process and top quality craftsmanship. We offer stair runners as low as $799 installed and up to 40% off in stock materials. Stop in or call for a free estimate. Absolute Floor Designs, where quality meets experience! afd123.com
Ruscito Resolutions provides the extra pair of hands that everyone needs. Whether you need a dump run, a handyman or assistance with any odd job, Paul Ruscito can help. Offering reliable services at reasonable pricing throughout Fairfield County. Ruscitoresolutions.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Fairfield
Summer Cocktails at Barcelona Wine Bar
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HALEY JILL PHOTOGRAPHY
Looking for a little after-work summer fun? Imaging summer cocktails with flavors that transport your mind and taste buds?
Barcelona Wine Bar has an unforgettable weekday Happy Hour experience. The outdoor patio is the perfect setting to relax and unwind with friends. As you soak up the late afternoon sun, indulge in the changing menu with an enticing array of delicious bites including a variety of tapas, mini martinis, bottles of sparkling wine and refreshing cocktails. The Chef’s inspiration comes from seasonal ingredients supported by long-standing relationships with local farms. Events on the patio to celebrate the season and live entertainment are featured throughout the summer to add to that summertime carefree vibe. But for those dog days when lazing on our own patio or for your next backyard get-together, Barcelona has shared some of their signature cocktails to try at home. So, raise your glass, savor the vibrant flavors, and let the tantalizing melodies of summer cocktails whisk you away. Cheers!
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1⁄2 oz Lime Juice
• 3⁄4 oz Salted Honey Syrup*
• 2 dashes Scrappy’s Cardamom Bitters
• 2 oz Club Soda
• 2 torched bay leaves*
DRINK STEPS
1. In a cocktail shaker, add lime juice, syrup and bitters
2. Fill with ice, shake well
3. Double-strain into ice filled Collins glass.
4. Top with club soda, stir a few times with bar spoon to incorporate
5. Garnish with torched bay leaves
*TORCHED BAY LEAVES
1. On a sheet tray, lay flat and separated a layer of fresh bay leaves – DO NOT use dried!
2. Using a kitchen blow/brûlée torch, quickly burn one side of each leaf. There will be some popping and crackling, this is normal.
3. Store at the bar in a jar or rocks glass with other garnishes. Do not refrigerate. Can last up to 7 days when stored properly.
*SALTED HONEY SYRUP INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup Hot Water
• 2 cups Clover Honey
• 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt
STEPS
1. Measure all into a quart container.
2. Whisk until honey and salt is dissolved.
3. Cool before using.
Any size batch can be made, the ratio is always 2 parts honey to 1 part hot water. Use 1 Tbsp of salt per cup of hot water.
Torching a bay leafINGREDIENTS
• 1⁄2 oz. Simple Syrup
• 1⁄2 oz. Lemon juice
• 1 oz. grapefruit juice, strained
• 2 dashes grapefruit bitters
• 2 dashes Peychauds bitters
• 1 1⁄2 oz. Chamomile infused vodka*
• Lemon peel
STEPS
1. In a cocktail shaker, add all measured ingredients.
2. Fill 3⁄4 way with fresh ice and shake very well.
3. Double-strain into an ice-filled highball glass.
4. Garnish with fresh lemon peel.
*Chamomile Infused Vodka
INGREDIENTS (varies on vodka bottle size)
• 750 mL Vodka bottle - 2 Chamomile tea bags
• 1 Liter Vodka bottle - 3 Chamomile tea bags
• 1.75 Liter Vodka bottle - 5 Chamomile tea bags
STEPS
1. Pour a full bottle of vodka into a sealable container.
2. Add chamomile tea bags and close/seal the lid.
3. Allow steeping for 24 hours. Color should be a bright, pale yellow and chamomile aroma should be strong.
4. Take out tea bags, discard them, and funnel vodka into glass bottles. Does not need to be refrigerated.
INGREDIENTS
• 1⁄2 oz Aquafaba*
• 3⁄4 oz Salted Honey Syrup
• 1 oz Lemon Juice
• 1 oz Byrrh Quinquina
• 1 oz Banhez Mezcal
• GARNISH – bee pollen & dragon fruit powder
STEPS
1. In an empty shaker, add all measured ingredients but the garnish.
2. Fill with ice, shake well
3. Double-strain into a martini glass.
4. Garnish with bee pollen and dragon fruit powder. *Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas. Due to its ability to mimic functional properties of egg whites in cooking, aquafaba can be used as a direct replacement for them. It is vegan.
When hanging on the patio at Barcelona’s happy hour share your fun and tag us @fairfieldlifestylemagazine and @Barcelonawinebar
“BARCELONA WINE BAR HAS AN UNFORGETTABLE WEEKDAY HAPPY HOUR EXPERIENCE.”
Nothing says welcome home more than a pair of beautiful containers flanking your front entrance. They add tremendous amounts of curb appeal to an entry of a home or business. Many of us in Fairfield are lucky enough to be graced with front porches. These spaces are perfect places to display planters. They bridge the gap between the outdoors and indoors. Dotted around the landscape, surrounding a pool or patio, they add focal points in these outdoor rooms. They are a way to enjoy small bits of nature through four seasons. Containers are miniature garden worlds meant to showcase special plants and flowers that otherwise may not be planted into garden beds.
The most anticipated season is Spring/Summer. In Fairfield, we are in planting zone 7A, which means early to mid-May are when frost warnings are lifted and tender annuals, perennials and tropicals can safely survive outside. There are a vast range of flowering and foliage plants to choose from, making this season exciting and challenging. These require the most maintenance because they need to survive through the heat and humidity of our New England summers.
When choosing pots first consider the style and color of your home. Cube or rectangular shapes usually complement a modern home. Classic urns look best with colonial homes. There are many that can work with any style. Window boxes and hanging planters also add pops of color and architectural interest to different areas outside your home. Do not overlook wooden barrels or quirky pottery to plant into if you prefer a more eclectic style. You can let your imagination go wild. The container itself is literally the foundation for your planting. It sets the tone for the whole arrangement.
After your pots are bought and placed in the spots you want them in, it will then be time to hit the garden centers and shop. When choosing plants for a container the rule of thumb is to pick a thriller, filler, and spiller. Basically, what that
means is choosing plants that are at varying heights. A taller plant is the thriller, the filler would be a shorter plant at mid- level and the spiller would ideally trail down the pot. Rules are made to be broken so this is meant to be a general guide to help you create a visually exciting arrangement.
If you are at a large garden center, I recommend laying out combinations of plants and playing around until you arrive at something you love. I often use the cart I am given when I enter for this task. My suppliers know me and leave me alone with my thoughts until I have completed the process. Other factors to consider are using plants with the same water and light needs in one pot.
I always aim for a layered and naturalistic look for my containers, filled with color and texture, reflecting the season they are being planted in. I do not limit myself to only flowering annuals. I like to include foliage plants, perennials and ground cover.
Since our summers are hot and humid, which takes a toll on us and our plants, try to include some low maintenance plants. Watering can be a daily chore in mid-summer, so if that is not something you want to commit yourself to, opt for succulents, lavender,
or heather - all of which are low maintenance. If you enjoy tending to planters and the pots are at your front or back door, feel free to choose plants with greater maintenance requirements. These include, geraniums, petunias and dahlias. Summer containers are an easy way to add color and style to any front entry or outdoor space. They offer statement curb appeal and can highlight special plants and flowers not typically found in your garden. As a designer, it is immensely satisfying to see the joy these containers bring to the life of my clients. @miafloragardens miafloragardens.com
Pink Hydrangeas are loving the shade of this covered porch in Southport.
Finally, summer! A time to slow down a little from the daily hustle. A time to enjoy the slower pace, laid-back days…the outdoors and a much need break from the regular routine. It can be hard to wind down from the everyday. A weekend getaway to Winvian Farm is the key to that summer serenity.
Located in neighboring Litchfield Hills, Winvian Farm is just a short drive to a serene and tranquil experience. This luxury resort and spa, uniquely offers 18 distinct private cottages with stunning forest or meadow views that overlook 113-acres with amenities to indulge and relax. Guests can soak in their oversized tubs or rest in their screened in porch. Each cottage is outfitted with two bikes for casual rides to explore the countryside.
Other activities on and off-site to consider while the downtime starts to set in include private cooking classes, wine and chocolate tastings, hot air balloon rides, local hiking and fly-fishing and of course the greatest way to unwind in the summer - lounging poolside at the resort’s heated pool.
For the ultimate in relaxation, enjoy the award-winning spa for soothing treatments, healing massages and restorative yoga and fitness classes. This is where self-care and
pampering meet. Feel transformed and rejuvenated while sipping your post treatment tea.
Winivian’s onsite full-working farm and greenhouses provide the delicious seed-to-table menus. For fine-dining, the notable The Restaurant is where simplicity and creativity come through with seasonally flavorful cuisine. The elevated, intimate setting compliments the 5-star experience. Maggie’s Tavern, a casual, cozy spot for lunch, has the freshest, most delicious pub fare and craft cocktails.
Summer is the perfect time to take a break from the year’s demands. Winvian Farms is a luxurious respite to get away from it all - at least for a moment. The perfect place to go to reconnect with your partner, with friends, with nature…with yourself. Enjoy the summer serenity, close enough to home but a world away.
Visit winvian.com/ to see more of this special family-owned resort. @winvianfarm
Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark. Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.
Make the most of this Summer! Check off these activities on our Kids Summer Bucket List as you complete them throughout the summer. P.S. You might need an adult’s help with some of these!
Summer is finally here. Take advantage of the season with our Adult Summer Bucket List. Check off these activities as you complete them with your family and friends and congratulate yourself on a Summer well-spent!
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
JULY 1ST-29TH SATURDAYS
Greenfield Hill Farmers Market
65 HILLSIDE RD | 10:00 AM
Fresh eggs, breads, flowers, produce and so much more. Enjoy local goods and new vendors throughout the season. 10AM-1PM
JULY 1ST
Town of Fairfield Independence Day Fireworks!
JENNINGS & PENFIELD BEACHES | 9:15 PM
Celebrate Independence Day with an explosive fireworks show! Fireworks start just after dark, Saturday, around 9:15 PM. The show can easily be seen from Penfield & Jennings Beaches. Get the party started with Star 99.9 & WEBE 108. Limited Parking: Beach Parking lots can be accessed either with a Season Beach Sticker or by purchasing a Daily Pass. Rain date: Sunday, July 2nd. For more information visit fairfieldrecreation.com
JULY 4TH
Pequot Library’s Annual 4th of July Bike Parade
FIVE CORNERS IN SOUTHPORT VILLAGE | 10:00 AM
Bring your festively decorated bike, scooter, or wagon to Five Corners in Southport Village and parade to the Great Lawn for some fun and games. Enjoy face-painting, sack races, hula hoop contest, and crafts. Free Super Duper Weenie hot dogs. Ice cream and drinks available. Free and open to the public. All ages welcome.
JULY 5TH-26TH WEDNESDAYS
Peanut Butter Jam Series
SHERMAN GREEN GAZEBO | 10:15 AM
Bring the littles to sing, dance and enjoy concerts at the Gazebo. Check fairfieldrecreation.com for a list of performers.
JULY 7TH-28TH FRIDAYS
ISABELLE ET VINCENT | 4:00 PM
A delicious French wine pairing with croissant crust pizza by the slice or by the pie. Pizza flavors include double cheese, veggie and supreme. Enjoy inside seating for a relaxing dinner while sampling fine wine by the glass or bottle. Save room for dessert! Fridays 4PM-8PM.
JULY 11TH & 25TH
RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE | 1:00 PM
These films have been selected for a senior audience, all films are free and open to the community. We invite you to bring your friends, cool off in our beautiful theater, and enjoy these classic films on the big screen. July 11th: Something's Gotta Give; July 25th: Chinatown. Check ridgefieldplayhouse.org for more details.
JULY
FTC STAGE ONE | 7:30 PM
Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter as Fairfield welcomes headliner Joe Matarese and some of the funniest Italian-American comedians to the FTC stage. Tickets $29. Visit fairfieldtheatre.org for more information and to purchase tickets.
JULY 15TH
CONNECTICUT’S BEARDSLEY ZOO | 10:00 AM
Featuring children’s activities focusing on bear awareness. Plus, bring your teddy bear or any special pal to the “Teddy Bear Clinic” for a health checkup. The Teddy Bear Clinic will include story time and the opportunity to ask all your bear questions to our experts. Teddy Bear Clinic is free with paid admission to the Zoo.
DOWNTOWN | 10:00 AM
Special deals and discounts at participating shops and in booths set up on Sherman Green. From the latest fashion apparel and jewelry to sporting goods and best-selling books, there’s something for everyone! Shop the summer’s hottest deals offered by Fairfield’s local merchants.
JULY 20TH
GANIM'S GARDEN CENTER AND FLORIST | 5:00 PM
Come enjoy live music, food trucks and local vendors during this great plant sale to benefit Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs from Newtown CT. Rain date July 27th.
JULY 21ST-25TH
PEQUOT LIBRARY | 9:00 AM
The Summer Book Sale draws book lovers from near and far with a selection of over 100,000 items in over 60 categories. The five-day sale is held in large tents on the Great Lawn, parking lot, the Auditorium and Reading Room. Join area authors for signings throughout the sale. Admission is free. All sale proceeds support Pequot Library’s annual programs. July 21st, 9AM-6PM; July 22nd-25th, 9AM-5PM
DOWNTOWN CABARET THEATER | 1:00 PM
Want to be featured?
IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.
2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.
™
