Greenwich, CT January 2026 by City Lifestyle

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

A New Year, Aligned Hi Greenwich, There’s something about January that feels like permission. Permission to reset, to refocus, and to recommit to the life you’re building. And this year, we’re stepping into that energy with intention, clarity, and a deep focus on what wellness really means. Our cover star, Tara Rose Schreiber of BARVIDA, embodies that perfectly. She represents a new generation of wellness leaders, ones who don’t just sell health, but design experiences around it. In this issue, we dive into the love, discipline, and creative vision behind BARVIDA, and how Tara and her partner Brennan Branca are reshaping what modern wellness looks and feels like right here in Greenwich. Speaking of vision, we’re also shining a light on two powerful female-founded concepts with Pause Greenwich and Suma Life House: Where Female Vision Meets Wellness Innovation. Both spaces are redefining the way we support our bodies, minds, and nervous systems with intention, science, and soul. We’re celebrating legacy too. This month marks 30 years of Aux Délices, and we sit down with the incredible Debra Ponzek to reflect on how she turned a simple dream into a Greenwich institution — while building a life, a family, and a community around it. And because wellness isn’t just found locally, Anna Barnes transports us to the breathtaking Cayo Levantado, a sanctuary of holistic healing, ocean air, and elevated restoration an escape that reminds us how far care for the self can take us. January is about more than resolutions. It’s about alignment. And this issue is your invitation to start the year in it.

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com M AR K E T S U P P O RT D I R E C TO R

Adam Vohra | adam.vohra@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R

Andrea Alderson | Andrea.Alderson@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Anna Barnes, Kellie Kerwin, Dana Cifone C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Brook Road Photography, Meg Miller Photography

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

LAURA SABIA, PUBLISHER @ G R E E N W I C H L I F E S T Y L E M AG

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Greenwich Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Greenwich area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

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No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Greenwich Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

24 18

Featured

24 30 38 6

38 On the Cover

A Delicious Legacy: 30 Years of Aux Délices

Tara Rose Schreiber

Debra Ponzek turned a simple dream into a Greenwich institution and built a life, family, and community along the way

Finding Balance in Paradise

A sanctuary of holistic healing, ocean air, and elevated wellness in beautiful Cayo Levantado

Women-Led Teams Transforming Greenwich's Health and Wellness Scene Pause Greenwich and Suma Life House: Where Female Vision Meets Wellness Innovation

The BARVIDA Effect

How Brennan and Tara Turned Clean Living Into a Cult-Favorite Experience

Photography: Brook Road Photography

Departments 4

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Hot Spot FOOD + BEVERAGE

Inspired By TRAVEL

Local Limelight HEALTH + WELLNESS

Eat Right HEALTH + WELLNESS

Artist’s Palette LOCAL SERVICES

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Events

JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Apryl Goodwin 2: Edgar Delaflor, Stacey Higdon, Amanda Schietzelt, Maria Cheng, Laura Delaflor, Grace Tseng, Debra Ponzek, Joe Hadley, Craig Jones 3: Callie Ruscher, Maha Karamahad, Stacey Higdon, Amanada Schietzelt, Emily Marr, Danielle Taylor, Emma Gudis 4: Danielle Taylor, Birva Straub, Grace Lee, Leigh Wit, Randi Evelson 5: Edgar & Laura Delaflor, Kris & John Falice 6: Anita Windels and Arlene Whitehill 7: Gary Axisa, Jon Michaels, Jeff Shietzelt, Bill Ritterbusch Photography by Brook Road Photography

C I T Y SC E N E

8: Greg Brown, Gillian Ingraham, Kathleen Renick, Luke Renick 9: Ydelia Gonzalez, Jon Michaels, Teresa Gonzalez, Gary Axisa 10: Jason Silberman 11: Katie Tuzmen, Laura Sabia, Frank Sabia 12: Lisa Bagshaw, Danielle Neri, April Bauza, Stacey Higdon 13: Mattos Paschal (MC), Kwan Ng 14: Stacey Higdon, Maha Karahamad, Sonia Waters, Christine Calzolano Photography by Brook Road Photography CONTINUED >

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city scene CONTINUED

15: Wish kid ambassadors for the evening. 16: Victoria Filippelli, Zanna Roberts Rassi, Emily Wolowitz 17: Wish Spirit Award Honorees, Allison and Steve Wolowitz

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H OT SP OT | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

A DELICIOUS

LEGACY:

30 YEARS OF

Aux Délices Debra Ponzek turned a simple dream into a Greenwich institution and built a life, family, and community along the way

ARTICLE BY DANA CIFONE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOK ROAD PHOTOGRAPHY

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Debra at food events and witnessing firsthand the grace, generosity, and expertise she brings to everything she does. I always love when our paths cross and I feel fortunate to call her not only an inspiration, but also a friend and respected colleague within the culinary world. It’s a true honor to share her story, one that spans three decades of excellence, innovation, and community in Greenwich. Long before prepared foods were part of the everyday dining landscape, Debra Ponzek had a vision. It was inspired by a gourmet shop she once visited as a child with her father, a cozy storefront

with an array of beautifully presented dishes that captured her imagination. Years later, after an accomplished career as a chef in New York City, that memory would become the seed for Aux Délices, the now-iconic Greenwich food shop and café that helped define how a community eats. When she and her husband, Greg, discovered a space in Riverside, it just felt right. “It seemed like the perfect fit,” she recalls. “And it had plenty of parking, which I quickly learned is gold in the suburbs!” Its proximity to the city also appealed to her. She suspected many of their customers dined in Manhattan and would appreciate the same level of quality and care, but in a more convenient way. CONTINUED >

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At the time, take-home meals weren’t the norm. Greenwich diners were accustomed to either restaurant experiences or home-cooked dinners. Aux Délices bridged the gap, offering restaurant-quality food that families could enjoy around their own tables. “We loved that our customers appreciated fine dining,” she says, “and wanted to give them something beautiful, comforting, and ready to take home.” The opening week remains etched in her memory. The shop gleamed with serveware, glass bowls, imported olive oils, salts, chocolates, and specialty vinegars. Greg welcomed guests at the front, sharing the concept with anyone who walked through the door. “It was such an exciting time,” she remembers. “We couldn’t wait to see what people thought.” That sense of connection, she says, has never faded. “It still makes me happy when I see friends meeting in the shop, customers introducing new people to their favorite menu items, or our team chatting with regulars. The energy is always so positive.” Expansion came gradually and intentionally. Greg, who had been running a restaurant with his brother in Monroe, eventually joined the business full-time, and became instrumental in its growth. “He always had a keen sense of timing,” she says. “We never opened another shop until we knew the first was strong and our team was ready.” The couple’s professional partnership mirrors their marriage, full of balance, humor, and respect. “People are always amazed we work together every day,” she says. “It works because we bring different strengths. Greg’s detail-oriented and financially disciplined; I’m focused on product, creativity, and consistency. He’s patient, I’m more of a let’s-do-it-now type. It just works.” At home, that dynamic translated into a rhythm that allowed them to raise a family while growing a brand. “One of the benefits of our business was closing at a reasonable hour,” she says. “We could still make it to school events or have dinner with our kids. Like most

working parents, we’ve had to juggle, but living and working in Greenwich made it easier to do both.” Thirty years on, Aux Délices remains a Greenwich favorite, not because it’s stayed the same, but because it’s evolved with its customers. “If you told me 30 years ago that we’d be selling microwavable meals, I would’ve said no way,” Debra states. “But times change, and part of staying relevant is adapting.” Still, she’s never compromised on quality. Everything is made from scratch with the finest ingredients, and beloved classics like the orzo salad, kale salad, Brussels sprouts salad, chicken parm, and homestyle chocolate cake; those will never leave the menu and remain untouchable. For Debra, the true reward of longevity is seeing how deeply Aux Délices has become woven into Greenwich life. “It’s incredible to see adults who used to come in as toddlers now shopping with their own kids,” she says. “Or when parents show me texts from their children who’ve moved to the city, asking them to bring back their favorite Aux Délices dishes, that’s the best compliment.” She’s equally proud of the brand’s charitable work, particularly its partnership with Food Rescue, which collects leftovers daily and redistributes them to organizations in need. “Giving back has always been part of who we are,” she says. “It’s something that brings the entire team a sense of purpose.” And that team, she adds, is the heartbeat of the business. “Our staff is incredibly talented and loyal. They’re the reason we’ve been able to do this for 30 years.” Three decades in, Debra shows no signs of slowing down. “I’m so lucky, I truly love going to work every day,” she says. “I don’t see myself retiring anytime soon. I just want to stay healthy, travel more, and keep enjoying Greenwich’s food scene.” As for what she hopes customers continue to feel when they walk through the doors of Aux Délices? Her answer is simple: “I hope they feel welcomed, comfortable, happy, and hungry.”

“I MET Debra Ponzek SIXTEEN YEARS AGO WHEN I OPENED MY RESTAURANT IN GREENWICH AND WAS STRUCK BY HER talent, business savvy, and the incredible

legacy she had built with Aux Délices. FROM THE BEGINNING, I FELT HONORED TO SHARE THE SAME DINING COMMUNITY with someone I so deeply admired.”

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FINDING BALANCE IN PARADISE A sanctuary of holistic healing, ocean air, and elevated wellness in beautiful Cayo Levantado

ARTICLE BY ANNA BARNES PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CAYO LEVANTADO

I NSP IR E D BY | TRAVEL

As you think about the kind of wellness you want to lean into in this new year, whether it's more rest, more movement, or simply more intention, Cayo Levantado Resort deserves a spot at the top of your list. It’s a rare place that makes taking care of yourself feel effortless, even luxurious.

And it’s not just guests who say so: in 2025, the resort earned a prestigious Four Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, securing its place among the world’s best wellness hotels. There are getaways—and then there are vacations you actually return from feeling rested and even energized. Cayo Levantado Resort, perched on its own private island just off the coast of Samaná in the Dominican Republic, is designed for the latter. Tucked among lush palm groves and enveloped in turquoise water, this hideaway is a holistic retreat rooted deeply in the art of restoration. At the heart of the property is Yubarta, the resort’s guiding philosophy inspired by the gentle, fluid power of the humpback whale. Yubarta is about reconnecting your mind, body, and spirit with your truest self. It informs everything from the design of the suites to the culinary program to the spa rituals that anchor your stay. The result is an experience that feels as serene as it is sophisticated.

Cayo Levantado Resort’s wellness philosophy also comes to life through four guided “paths” that help shape your stay: Refresh, Restore, Relax, and Renew. Each path meets you exactly where you are. If you’re craving an energy boost, Refresh offers energizing movement to boost strength and vitality, while Restore focuses on slower, nourishing practices that help your body rebound. Relax melts stress away through breathwork and soothing treatments, and Renew provides a deeper emotional and spiritual reset for meaningful realignment. No matter which path you choose, the resort weaves it seamlessly into your days, creating a wellness experience that feels personal, intuitive, and entirely your own. And while wellness is the heartbeat of the island, guests are encouraged to define what that looks like for themselves. For some, it’s a sunrise yoga class or a breathwork session. For others, it’s a freshly blended piña colada enjoyed oceanside; because balance is, after all, a major part of any healthy lifestyle. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ G R E E N W I C H

"There are getaways and then there are vacations you actually return from feeling rested and even energized."

I NSP IR E D BY | TRAVEL

The island’s accommodations epitomize barefoot luxury. Airy suites come with coastal-inspired interiors, private terraces, and outdoor soaking tubs that invite lingering mornings. Every space on the property is a perfect sanctuary to retreat to after a day of wellness experiences or beachside lounging. Dining at Cayo Levantado Resort further enhances the wellness-first approach. The resort’s culinary team highlights fresh, local ingredients prepared with creativity and care including produce harvested right from the on-property garden, which adds a true farm-to-table touch to many of the resort’s most memorable dishes. Menus are vibrant, colorful, and nourishing, with plates that celebrate Dominican flavors through a contemporary lens. Guests can enjoy everything from plant-forward options to sustainably

sourced seafood to beautifully crafted cocktails and mocktails. And of course, the island itself is its finest amenity, greeting you with powder-soft beaches as you approach by boat. Adventurous travelers can snorkel along coral reefs or join guided nature walks but the private beach club is the perfect place to relax and unwind if that’s more your speed. Truly something for everyone. The resort’s setting provides a peaceful backdrop for every moment, amplifying the overall sense of escape. Cayo Levantado Resort is a place designed to nurture, to inspire, and to remind guests what it feels like to truly rest. Whether you arrive seeking tranquility, adventure, or a meaningful reset, the island meets you exactly where you are and gently guides you toward where you want to be.

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Pause Greenwich

Women-Led Teams Transforming Greenwich's Health and Wellness Scene PAUSE GREENWICH AND SUM A LIFE HOUSE: WHERE FEM ALE VISION MEETS WELLNESS INNOVATION ARTICLE BY KELLIE KERWIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUSE GREENWICH, SUMA LIFE HOUSE

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

Pause Greenwich

Jasmyn Pizzimbono, Carey Wunsch and Kristina Gabelli Partners at Pause Greenwich We sat down exclusively with the women revolutionizing health and wellness around our town. TELL US ABOUT PAUSE AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO OPEN A FRANCHISE IN GREENWICH. Pause is built on a simple belief: when people have access to restorative, science-backed wellness, they show up better in every aspect of their lives. We were drawn to Pause because it bridges the gap between luxury self-care and functional, results-driven therapies like contrast therapy, infrared sauna, and lymphatic treatments. Greenwich felt like the perfect home for our franchise. The community already values health, longevity, and

intentional living — and yet there were limited spaces offering high-quality, repeatable wellness rituals in a warm, modern environment. We wanted to bring a place where people could truly reset, recharge, and create meaningful routines. AS FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS AND CO-OWNERS, HOW DO YOU SUPPORT EACH OTHER THROUGH THE CHALLENGES OF RUNNING A BUSINESS? Our partnership is rooted in trust, open communication, and an understanding of each other’s strengths. We each bring different talents, one of us more operational, the other more creative — and we’ve learned to lean into those differences. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ G R E E N W I C H

Pause Greenwich

HOW DO YOU TAILOR YOUR SERVICES TO MEET THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF GREENWICH RESIDENTS? Greenwich residents and our nearby neighbors lead full, dynamic lives — many are balancing demanding careers, chaotic family schedules, and an active lifestyle. We’ve curated services that meet those needs: efficient but deeply restorative, results-oriented but still luxurious. We’ve noticed a strong interest in longevity, stress reduction, and athletic recovery, so we’ve designed personalized protocols for pre-workout energizing, post-workout recovery, anti-aging wellness, and weekly mental reset routines. We also offer flexible membership structures to help clients build consistent habits. WHAT NEW OFFERINGS OR EXPERIENCES ARE YOU PLANNING FOR 2026? We’re expanding our lineup to include more community-driven and education-based experiences. In 2026, our plans include: • Specialized workshops on breathwork, resilience training, and longevity practices • Seasonal wellness programs tailored to energy, immunity, and performance • Community membership events that bring together leaders and enthusiasts across health, fitness, and beauty. We want Pause Greenwich to be more than a studio — we want it to be a hub for personal growth and modern wellness.

We schedule regular check-ins not just to talk about business, but to make sure we’re supporting each other as individuals. We celebrate wins together, navigate tough moments as a team, and remind each other why we started. Being female entrepreneurs means we’re not only building a business — we’re modeling collaboration, balance, and leadership for our community that we truly enjoy. We want to share with our community practices we have been maintaining and consistent with for a long time. CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH YOUR SIGNATURE SERVICES AND WHAT MAKES YOUR APPROACH UNIQUE? Our signature services include contrast therapy, infrared sauna, cold plunge, Float (sensory deprivation) lymphatic compression, Cryo, Medical Services including IV Therapy, Vitashots and NAD+. What makes Pause unique is our emphasis on ritual and consistency. We don’t just offer services — we create guided experiences that help members understand what they’re doing, why it matters, and how to build sustainable routines.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE PAUSE WILL HAVE ON THE WELLNESS CULTURE IN THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND? Our goal is to normalize taking time for yourself — not as a luxury, but as a foundational part of a healthy life. If we can help people feel calmer, stronger, more resilient, and more connected to their bodies, that impact ripples outward. We hope Pause becomes a place where people build routines that support longevity, mental clarity, and emotional balance — and that our approach inspires a broader cultural shift toward sustainable, science-backed self-care.

Kristin Updike Founder of Suma Life House WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FOUND AND OPEN SUMA LIFE HOUSE? In 2020, I made a decision that changed my life — I underwent a prophylactic double mastectomy. It was one of the most empowering choices I’ve ever made. That experience ignited in me a fierce commitment to preventive medicine. I didn’t want to wait for illness to show up at my door — I wanted to build a life around staying ahead of it. That’s what inspired me to create Suma Life House.

Suma Life House

WHAT DOES "SUMA" MEAN TO YOU AND HOW DOES IT REFLECT YOUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY? To me, Suma represents strength, nourishment, and holistic balance. Suma is an apoptogenic plant known for supporting overall wellbeing, longevity, and resilience - and that’s exactly what we aim to offer our clients. Suma also means ‘the good mother’, which evokes the concept of steady guidance and deep care. At Suma Life House, we create personalized plans to help support all our clients with their wellness, performance and aesthetic goals. HOW DO YOU DIFFERENTIATE SUMA LIFE HOUSE FROM OTHER WELLNESS CENTERS IN THE GREENWICH AREA? What truly differentiates Suma Life House is our commitment to bringing best-in-class, medically-validated technologies to Greenwich—premium devices and modalities that aren’t available anywhere else locally. We’ve invested in the most advanced recovery tools in longevity and aesthetics, from the Ammortal red-light chamber to our multi-place hyperbaric oxygen therapy, BTL’s leading platforms like Emsculpt NEO, Emface, and Exion RF microneedling, as well as medical-grade infusion therapies and targeted longevity protocols including peptides and exosomes. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN LOOKING TO START THEIR OWN WELLNESS BUSINESSES? My biggest advice is to become a student of the industry before you become a participant. Wellness is evolving so quickly, and I think that the businesses that truly stand out are the ones built on deep research and firsthand experience. Don’t just read about the latest technologies— try them, compare them, understand the science behind them, and see how they actually make you feel.

Suma Life House

CONTINUED >

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Suma Life House

HOW DO YOU SEE THE WELLNESS INDUSTRY EVOLVING? Hyper-personalization & tech-enabled wellness The era of “one size fits all” wellness is over. Consumers increasingly expect tailored, data-driven modalities: advanced wearables, AI-driven insights, biomarkers, sleep tracking, HRV (heart-rate variability) monitoring, etc. For a wellness business, this means we must invest in not just the treatments themselves, but the technology and data-infrastructure that allow us to refine each service for the individual. Longevity, recovery, and whole-life wellness It’s no longer just about looking good or feeling good now— it’s about living longer, more fulfilling lives, which means focusing on self-care and regenerative health. Concepts like “healthy aging,” “vitality,” and “healthspan” will become

much more mainstream. For our business, that means layering in more treatments and programs that support cellular health, extended youthfulness, and structured recovery. Integration of mind, body, and environment + “next wave” modalities I anticipate an increased adoption of somatic therapies like breathwork, contrast therapy and a focus on fascia. Greater attention to gut-health, bone health, menopause/perimenopause wellness, and immersive experiences (travel, wellness retreats, hybrid in-studio + digital). For our community, this means we’ll begin to offer not only conventional treatments, but also more immersive, holistic programs that align with the evolving expectations of clients who want depth, sophistication, and measurable benefits.

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THE BARVIDA ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOK ROAD PHOTOGRAPHY

Effect

How Brennan and Tara Turned Clean Living Into a Cult-Favorite Experience What happens when a Division I athlete’s discipline meets a performer’s creative fire? You get BARVIDA. A juice bar that’s not just redefining wellness, but rebranding it entirely. Co-founded by Brennan Branca and Tara Rose Schreiber, this bold, moody, and unapologetically cool concept makes clean living feel indulgent, rebellious, and irresistible. With Brennan’s background in competitive sports, finance, and fitness and Tara’s theatrical flair, plant-based devotion, and instinct for design and culture, the duo has created more than a juice bar, they’ve built a high-energy lifestyle destination that feels as personal as it does elevated. By the time you walk into BARVIDA, you already feel it. The lighting is low. The energy is focused. The space hums with intention. It doesn’t feel like a juice bar, it feels like a scene. A mood. A ritual. And at the center of it all are Brennan Branca and Tara Rose Schreiber: partners in life, partners in business, and the minds behind one of Connecticut’s most cult-followed wellness concepts. They didn’t start with a playbook. They started with a feeling. “We were tired of walking into places that felt like compromises,” Brennan says. “I’d be analyzing ingredients and expiration dates of juices while Tara judged the emotional temperature of the room and wondered why a health spot felt so devoid of soul. That became our thesis.” Tara finishes the thought the way only she can which is poetic, direct, and completely on-brand.

EAT R IGH T | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

“We wanted to create a space that doesn’t compromise,” she says. “A place that fused West Coast wellness culture with East Coast edge. Something bold, indulgent, a little dark, a little sexy but still grounded in real health.” What they built was BARVIDA: a juice bar, yes — but also a lifestyle space that makes clean living feel elevated, cinematic, and unapologetically cool. And at its heart is contrast. Brennan comes from Division I soccer at Columbia, a world defined by performance, repetition, and standards. Tara comes from a theater background, trained to feel, interpret, and read energy. Where he thinks in systems and outcomes, she thinks in atmosphere and intention. “Brennan treats wellness like a love language and business like a sport,” Tara says. “He’s the backbone.” “And Tara’s the heartbeat,” Brennan counters. “Everything about her is feeling and intention. BARVIDA is what happens when those two worlds collide.” That collision is felt everywhere: in the menu, the colors, the lighting, the typography on the walls. It’s why BARVIDA doesn’t look like every other “clean” space. There’s humor. Darkness. A little edge. No testimonials slathered on white tile. No fluorescent lighting pretending to be enlightenment. Since launching, the evolution has been intentional.

“We were tired of walking into places that felt like compromises. That became our thesis.” -Brennan

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“BARVIDA has grown with us. The stores feel like little love letters, because “The humor is louder. The design is bolder. The ingredients got smarter,” Brennan says. “We went from Googling juicing at 2AM to creating spaces that feel like the inside of the coolest, healthiest relationship.” Even the physical spaces tell their story. “The stores feel like little love letters along the way,” Tara says. “We still leave our mark on everything including painting the Greenwich bathroom trim ourselves late at night because the room needed to feel more alive.” Because to them, everything matters. BARVIDA didn’t happen in a vacuum. It happened in Connecticut, a place Tara calls a “wellness hub.” “People here know their adaptogens, their macro splits, and they want the best for themselves,” she explains. “They want flavor and function. They want something they can trust.” It’s why their collaborations, like the Rhone Smoothie and their work with Doctor Katie in Darien, feel organic instead of promotional. “They’re brands and people who live with the same level of intention we do,” Tara says. “That’s why the partnerships make sense.” For Brennan, Connecticut is both a proving ground and a pressure cooker. “When something hits here, everyone knows within 24 hours,” he says. “When it doesn’t, they also tell you immediately. That honesty keeps us sharp. The wellness community here pushes us to evolve in real time.” There’s no coasting. No hiding behind trends. Only adaptation. At BARVIDA, aesthetics matter but only because function leads the way. “Nothing is just there to look cute,” Tara says. “Even though they do look cute. Every smoothie is like a little life hack whether for stress, recovery, inflammation, focus, immunity. The goal is function and flavor. Always.” Brennan’s go-to? Lion’s Mane.

EAT R IGH T | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

as we evolve, we leave our fingerprints on every corner, every detail, every moment.” -Tara

“It supports brain health, boosts memory and focus, improves mood,” he says. “I add it to everything. We can all benefit from better mental clarity.” Tara swears by ginger and ashwagandha. “If I give you a smoothie recipe, there’s ginger in it,” she laughs. “And anything that keeps my cortisol in check is a win. Wellness should support you, not stress you out.” It’s this balance: science + instinct that defines their menu. Despite the aesthetics, their routines are refreshingly human. They try not to touch their phones first thing and they admit they usually fail. “There’s DND and ashwagandha for that,” Tara jokes. Her ideal morning: • Room-temp lemon water. • BARVIDA celery juice. • Dog walk. • Ten minutes of journaling. • Pilates. • Then BARVIDA everything. Brennan? Simpler. CONTINUED >

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“I can’t talk to anyone until I train. Tara included,” he says. “Movement keeps me sane. After that, it’s either the Rhone smoothie or the Matcha Machine. That’s recovery and fuel in a cup.” Different styles. Same values. Ask them about the future of wellness and their answers reflect their personalities perfectly. Brennan focuses on function: “People want clarity, focus, real energy, emotional steadiness. No more sugar bombs pretending to be ‘healthy.’ Brands that prioritize intentional blends will lead.” Tara zooms out to the feeling: “Wellness is becoming about emotion and atmosphere. People want ritual. They want a space that feels cinematic. They want community, not just a drink.” In other words: They want what BARVIDA already is.

BEYOND JUICE

For both of them, wellness doesn’t stop at what’s in the cup. “Wellness touches every part of life,” Tara says. “You can’t feel good if your body’s great but your mind is scattered. Or vice versa. It’s movement. It’s breathwork. It’s journaling. It’s the occasional TikTok scroll. That’s balance. It’s showing up imperfectly.” Brennan echoes the idea, but grounds it in action. “Wellness is nourishing your body, challenging it, and giving your mind room to breathe. Movement is my meditation. Just figure out what grounds you and do more of that.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BARVIDA?

They’ve just opened their third location on Greenwich Avenue. Westport is next. Beyond that, expansion outside Connecticut is already on the horizon but only if it feels right. “We’re getting a lot of inquiries about expansion and investment,” Brennan says. “But if we do partner, it’ll be with people who care about soul, not just scale. Each space has to feel intentional. Never copy and paste.”

EAT R IGH T | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Tara agrees. “Every new location has to fit seamlessly into the BARVIDA universe,” she says. “It has to feel like us not like growth for the sake of growth.”

TWO PEOPLE. ONE VISION.

In the end, BARVIDA isn’t really a juice bar. It’s a reflection of a relationship and the discipline of one, the emotion of the other, and the space they created together. “We built this out of instinct,” Brennan says. “No formal business backgrounds. Just passion. And a little insanity.” “And a lot of love,” Tara adds. “For the people, the craft, the space, and each other.” And you feel that the moment you step inside.

BY C I NDY S I T E S

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MEET OUR NEW D I R E C T O R O F PA R T N E R S H I P S :

ANDREA ALDERSON

ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEG MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY

ANDREA’S LOCAL FAVORITES Andrea shares the Greenwich businesses that inspire her and deserve the spotlight 1. Meg Miller Photography (Lifestyle, Wedding, and Portrait Photographer) 2. Elite Health Services (Physical Therapy, Pilates, Personal Training to support whole body wellness) 3. Amanda Bates Goodro, Houlihan Lawrence (Luxury Real Estate Agent) 4. Dr. Tanvi Gandhi, ND, L.Ac. (Naturopathic Physician and Licensed Acupuncturist)

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | LO CAL SE RVICE S

Andrea believes the best connections happen when people feel truly seen and that’s exactly how she approaches her role as Director of Partnerships for Greenwich Lifestyle Magazine. With a career built on high-performance sales in both the wine and medical industries, Andrea brings a rare blend of strategy, intuition, and relationship-building to her work with local businesses. But what makes her stand out isn’t just her professional experience it’s the heart behind it. “Greenwich is a town full of stories,” Andrea shares. “My passion is helping business owners feel celebrated, supported, and connected to the community around them. That’s why being part of this magazine feels so meaningful.” Andrea’s background spans far beyond traditional sales. Her deep roots in health and wellness including years as a certified Pilates instructor in New York City and Greenwich give her a unique understanding of the balance today’s entrepreneurs are constantly trying to maintain. She’s worked in fast-paced, high-stakes environments, but she leads with calm, presence, and a genuine interest in helping others grow. Creativity has always shaped her perspective. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts from the University of San Francisco, with a love for sculpture. A discipline that taught her to see both form and potential in everything she touches. That artistic eye now carries into how she helps brands position themselves through thoughtful storytelling and strategic visibility in the magazine. Andrea lives in Old Greenwich with her son and twin daughters, whom she describes as her greatest motivation and joy. When she’s not working with clients, you’ll likely find her supporting local businesses, exploring coastal walks, or squeezing in a Pilates class between school drop-offs and client calls. As she steps into this new role, Andrea is eager to connect with Greenwich’s vibrant business community. “I’m excited to collaborate, brainstorm, and help local brands truly shine,” she says. “Whether someone is just starting or looking to take things to the next level, I’d love to help bring their story to life.”

5. Peter Grunow, Gro Pro Landscape Co. (Expert landscape design, installation, and maintenance) 6. Daisy McRandall, PilatesPrivé (Private Pilates Studio on Greenwich Ave) 7. Janet Wilson, Richards (Personal Shopper) 8. Soper Babcock & Associates (multi-disciplined firm specializing in classically inspired residential design, space planning and construction management) 9. The Cottage (Restaurant, Greenwich Ave) 10. BARVIDA

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URSULA VON RYDINGSVARD: STATES OF BECOMING December 4, 2025–May 10, 2026 Heart in Hand (wood model), 2014 Cedar and graphite, 126 x 81 x 46 ½ in. Courtesy the artist, Galerie Lelong, and Talley Dunn Gallery © Ursula von Rydingsvard, courtesy Galerie Lelong and Talley Dunn Gallery Photo by Michael Bodycomb

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CREAMY ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH & LENTIL SOUP Hosting tip: Make the soup a day ahead — the flavors deepen overnight. Simply reheat gently and refresh with fresh herbs and extra coconut cream before serving. Tag us in your culinary explorations @upperwestchester. citylifestyle we love seeing your creations in action!

WINTER COMFORT IN A SIMPLE SOUP A nourishing butternut squash and lentil recipe celebrating seasonal produce, immuneboosting spices, and cozy wellness for cold January evenings. This soup is designed to be as beautiful as it is comforting and it’s perfect for winter gatherings, casual dinners, or elevated at-home evenings with friends. • Serve in small mugs or espresso cups for a cozy cocktail-party feel. Add a delicate swirl of coconut cream and a sprinkle of chili flakes or cracked black pepper for visual contrast and warmth. • Create a crostini pairing station with toasted sourdough slices drizzled in olive oil and fresh herbs. For a gluten-free option, offer seeded crackers or crisped chickpea flatbread. • Offer a build-your-own topping bar so guests can personalize their bowls. • Think: roasted pumpkin seeds, chopped chives, microgreens, a drizzle of chili oil, or lemon zest for brightness. For a complete spread, pair the soup with a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted carrots with honey and thyme to round out the table beautifully.

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Serves: 4–6 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 large butternut squash, peeled + cubed 1 cup red lentils, rinsed 1 yellow onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 4 cups vegetable broth 1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp cumin ½ tsp cinnamon Salt + pepper to taste Optional garnish: pumpkin seeds, chili flakes, fresh thyme

Instructions: 1. Roast the squash: Toss cubed squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes until caramelized and soft. 2. Build the base: In a pot, sauté onion and garlic in remaining olive oil until translucent. Add turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon and stir until fragrant. 3. Add lentils and broth: Stir in red lentils and vegetable broth. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until lentils soften. 4. Blend: Add roasted squash and coconut milk. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or standard blender. 5. Finish + garnish: Adjust seasoning and top with seeds, chili flakes, or herbs.

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JANUARY 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

JA NUA RY 1 ST

Behind the Boarding House: Winter Lecture Series Greenwich Historical Society The Greenwich Historical Society's Winter Lecture Series is inspired to provide introspective insight behind the diverse individuals who made the Holley Boarding House so successful as a hub of creative expression. Explore the people behind the boarding house in this three-part series connected with their newest exhibition The Holley Boarding House: Inspiring American Impressionism, on view through March 8, 2026. JA NUA RY 1 3T H

ELEVATE: The Creative Women’s Summit Darien Community Association – Meadowlands, Darien, CT | 9:00 AM ELEVATE is a high-energy, full-day summit bringing together over 175+ creative women—founders, influencers, editors, small business owners, and entrepreneurs—for an inspiring mix of panels, workshops, wellness sessions, and community connection. With dynamic speakers, expert insights, curated pop-ups, and a VIP Media Kickoff Party, the event is designed to help women elevate their creativity, business, and personal growth. JA NUA RY 1 7 T H

History of Old Greenwich 108 Sound Beach Avenue Old Greenwich, CT | 3:00 PM Join Pat Larrabee, historian for FCCOG.ORG, for an illustrated talk exploring the rich history of Old Greenwich. Discover fascinating stories behind local landmarks, including ones that no longer exist, and learn about the many notable residents who once called the area home. No registration needed! CONTINUED >

EVE N TS

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CONTINUED

JA NUA RY 2 3 RD

Greenwich Historical Society: Family Floral Fun Series Greenwich Botanical Center | 3:45 PM Experience a winter adventure in the forest! Children will explore the quiet beauty of the winter woods, learning to spot signs of how animals adapt and survive in the colder months. Along the way, they'll gather natural materials that will become the building blocks of their own nature mandalas. Children will use their gathered treasures to create beautiful, temporary art. JA NUA RY 2 3 RD

Greenwich Audubon Center: FeederWatch Fridays Greenwich Audubon Center | 3:00 PM Spend a leisurely afternoon watching and counting birds from Greenwich Audubon's bird feeder window! Join Audubon Naturalist Ryan MacLean for a Friday afternoon program to identify birds at our feeder station, learn tips for feeding them, and explore how to participate in Project FeederWatch. Take home guides and even help submit a checklist of birds spotted during the program. JA NUA RY 2 4 T H A N D 2 5TH

Greenwich Symphony: Julian Schwarz, Cello Performing Arts Center at Greenwich High School | 7:30 PM Praised as a leading cellist of his generation, Julian Schwarz is known for his powerful tone and expressive versatility. He performs worldwide as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with ensembles such as Frisson, Olmos Ensemble, and Bargemusic. A devoted educator at Shenandoah Conservatory and NYU Steinhardt, he brings artistry, expertise, and passion to every performance.

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EVE N TS

CHEERS to a NEW YEAR in GREENWICH! A new year brings new opportunities—let us help you make the most of them. As the new year unfolds, the right representation can make all the difference. Jenny Allen and Kristen Studwell combine local expertise with Compass’s industryleading tools to help you make smart, informed decisions in any market. Whether buying or selling, they bring the strategy and care your next move deserves. Start your 2026 move with confidence! Scan the code to get in touch today:

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Jenny Allen

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Compass Connecticut, LLC | O: 203.343.0141 | compass.com Jenny Allen and Kristen Studwell are licensed Real Estate salespersons affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity Laws.

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