Photographs by Julie Bidwell
Fourteen years ago, we first invited our readers to weigh in on Fairfield County’s most fabulous finds—everything from relaxing spa treatments and grilled-to-perfection burgers to the most swoon-worthy bed linens and sleekest shoes. The response was overwhelming, and each year we look forward to presenting your favorite spots in our annual Best of the Gold Coast issue, highlighting hundreds of winners chosen by you, the readers of our magazines. But there are also plenty of standouts right here in town, and this guide showcases the top vote-getters from Greenwich. Consider this issue your number-one resource for the best of all worlds, near and far.
FOOD & DRINK
CUISINE
NEW RESTAURANT + WEEKEND BRUNCH
The Spread
18 West Putnam Ave.,
203-900-1887 | thespreadgreenwich.com
AMERICAN + PUB + HAMBURGERS + MICROBREW
Little Pub
531 East Putnam Ave.,
203-717-1147 | littlepub.com
SEAFOOD
Elm Street Oyster House
11 West Elm St.,
203-629-5795 | elmstreetoysterhouse.com
STEAKS
Blackstones
28 West Putnam Ave.,
203-661-8700 | blackstonessteakhouse.com
SPECIAL OCCASION/DATE NIGHT
Homestead Inn-Thomas Henkelmann
420 Field Point Rd.,
203-869-7500 | homesteadinn.com
TAPAS + GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
Douro
363 Greenwich Ave.,
203-869-7622 | dourogroup.com
LUNCH + CAFE/BISTRO
Méli-Mélo
362 Greenwich Ave.,
203-629-6153 | melimelogreenwich.com
GLOBAL CUISINE
ITALIAN
Polpo
554 Old Post Rd.,
203-629-1999 | polporestaurant.com
FRENCH
Le Penguin
61 Lewis St.,
203-717-1200 | lepenguinbistro.com
MEDITERRANEAN
Mediterraneo
366 Greenwich Ave.,
203-629-4747 | zhospitalitygroup.com
INDIAN
Mumbai Times
140 East Putnam Ave.,
203-625-5500 | mumbaitimesct.com
GREEK
Famous Greek Kitchen
10 North Water St.,
203-531-6887 | famousgreekkitchen.com
MEXICAN + MARGARITAS + FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
Boxcar Cantina
44 Old Field Point Rd.,
203-661-4774 | boxcarcantina.com
SUSHI + JAPANESE
Kira Sushi
4 Lewis Ct.,
203-422-2990 | kirasushigreenwich.com
CHINESE
Tengda
21 Field Point Rd.,
203-625-5338 | tengdaasianbistrogroup.com
ASIAN FUSION
Asiana Cafe
130 East Putnam Ave.,
203-622-6833 | asianacafe.com
THAI
Little Thai Kitchen
21 St. Roch Ave.,
203-622-2972 | littlethaikitchen.com
OUTDOOR DINING + HOTEL RESTAURANT + OUTDOOR BAR + SINGLES SCENE (OVER 35) + WINE LIST + BEST SERVICE + RESTAURANT BAR
l’escale
500 Steamboat Rd.,
203-661-4600 | lescalerestaurant.com
CREATIVE MENU
Le Fat Poodle
20 Arcadia Rd.,
203-717-1515 | lefatpoodle.com
CASUAL
BREAKFAST + COFFEE SHOP
Ada’s Kitchen & Coffee Shop
112 Riverside Ave.,
203-637-1956 | adaskitchenandcoffee.com
BAGELS
Upper Crust Bagel Company
197 Sound Beach Ave.,
203-698-0079 | uppercrustbagel.com
HOT DOGS
Joey B’s
118 River Rd. Ext.,
203-661-0573 | joeybsct.com
GRILL LIKE A PRO
BEST BUTCHER
Fleishers Craft Butchery
Nothing says easy summer dining like outdoor grilling. When it comes to upping your game, the folks at Fleishers Craft Butchery have you covered. The Cos Cob-based butcher shop specializes in pasture-raised meats from Northeast-based family farms; they offer a slew of condiments, rubs and sauces, to boot. The Fleisher folks offer their tips on how to grill like a pro.
Make Smart Meat Purchases
Great meals start with great ingredients, says Crystal Cun, Fleishers’ brand manager. “Look for meat that is pasture-raised,” meaning that the animals grazed on pasture and moved around naturally. For beef, “grass-fed” means the cows grazed entirely on grass without supplementary grain. The meat will be leaner but have a richer and more complex flavor. Meats should be hormone and antibiotic free.
Explore New Cuts
Everyone loves a great rib-eye or New York strip but why not try something new? “Ranch, flat iron, bavette, tri-tip and Denver steaks are all fantastic alternatives to the classic steakhouse cuts,” says Crystal.
Grill to Temperature, Not Time
“Meats and grills vary widely,” she adds. As a general rule of thumb:
Beef (Medium Rare): 120° – 125° F
Lamb (Medium): 130° – 135° F
Pork (Medium): 140° – 145° F
Chicken: 165° F
Give It a Rest
After you pull the meat off the grill, let it rest for five minutes. “The meat will continue cooking from residual heat and will have a chance to reabsorb juices so that it stays moist,” says Cun. “For even better results, rest the meat on a plate with olive oil or melted butter with fresh herbs.”
PIZZA
Planet Pizza
28 Railroad Ave.,
203-622-0999 | planetpizza.com
RIBS/BARBECUE
Bobby Q’s Pit Stop
1340 East Putnam Ave.,
203-990-0606 | bobbyqspitstop.com
VEGETARIAN + HEALTH FOOD + JUICE BAR
Green & Tonic
85 Railroad Ave.,
203-622-1479
7 Strickland Rd.,
203-869-1376 | greenandtonic.com
DINER
Glory Days
69 East Putnam Ave.,
203-661-9067 | glorydaysdiner.com
DELI
Corbos
1380 East Putnam Ave.,
203-354-4675
470 West Putnam Ave.,
203-629-4987 | corbosdeli.com
SWEETS
DESSERTS + BAKERY
DiMare Pastry Shop
1245 East Putnam Ave.,
203-637-4781 | dimarepastry.com
ICE CREAM + FROZEN YOGURT
Gopher Ice Cream
522 East Putnam Ave.,
203-661-9080
551 East Putnbam Ave.
203-990-0094
CUPCAKES + WEDDING CAKES
Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes
3 Field Rd.,
203-869-9545 | sweetlisas.com
MARKETS & CATERING
GOURMET GROCERY
Citarella Gourmet Market
600 West Putnam Ave.,
203-861-6900 | citarella.com
BUTCHER SHOP
Fleishers Craft Butchery
160 East Putnam Ave.,
203-900-1800 | fleishers.com
FISH MARKET
Fjord Fish Market
158 East Putnam Ave.,
203-661-5006 | fjordct.com
GOURMET TO GO + COOKING CLASSES
Aux Délices
3 West Elm St.,
203-622-6644
1075 East Putnam Ave.,
203-698-1066 | auxdelicesfoods.com
CATERER
Watson’s Catering
1 Glenville St.,
203-532-0132 | watsonscatering.com
STIRRED, NOT SHAKEN
Best Happy Hour/ Martini
J House
James Bond liked his martinis shaken not stirred, but according to Anthony DiChiara, former head barman and now restaurant manager of J House, which also earned accolades for its Happy Hour, the iconic British agent was going against the grain when it comes to creating the cocktail classic. “Shaking bruises the gin,” says DiChiara, referring to the slight bitter aftertaste that can occur when gin is turned upside down. While conceding that these days many people opt for vodka over gin (“It is a wonderful mixing liquor,” he says), for traditionalists, DiChiara offered this advice for creating a perfect gin martini: a really cold stemmed glass, a whisper of dry vermouth and a good long stir over ice, which helps release the liquor’s essential oils. “A martini is a classic drink that will never go out of style,” he says.
No doubt 007 would agree.
J House Perfect Gin Martini
YOU WILL NEED
One mixing glass and ice
A chilled, stemmed martini glass
1/4 ounce of Dolin dry vermouth
2.5 ounces of Plymouth gin
1 to 3 Mezzetta olives
STEPS
Pour vermouth into the ice-filled mixing glass, add gin, stir for 1 or 2 minutes. Strain liquid into a cold stemmed martini glass. Add olives. Serve.
LIVING & HOME
HOME
HOME ACCESSORIES BOUTIQUE + COSTUME JEWELRY
Splurge
39 Lewis St.,
203-869-7600 | splurgegifts.com
FURNITURE STORE
Restoration Hardware
310 Greenwich Ave.,
203-552-1040 | restorationhardware.com
CONTEMPORARY FURNISHINGS
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
45 East Putnam Ave.,
203-661-4480 | mgbwhome.com
ART GALLERY + MUSEUM + MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN
Bruce Museum of Arts & Science
1 Museum Dr.,
203-869-0376 | brucemuseum.org
CHINA/TABLETOP + WEDDING GIFTS + WEDDING REGISTRY
Hoagland’s of Greenwich
175 Greenwich Ave.,
203-869-2127 | hoaglands.com
ANTIQUES/VINTAGE STORE
Estate Treasures
1381 East Putnam Ave.,
203-637-4200 | estatetreasures.com
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Patio.com
600 East Putnam Ave.,
203-869-3084 | patio.com
LUXURY IMPORTS
The Drawing Room
220 East Putnam Ave.,
203-661-3737 | thedrawingroomhome.com
APPLIANCES
Partridge & Rockwell
85 Pemberwick Rd.,
203-531-8670 | partridgeappliances.com
FLORIST + WEDDING FLORAL DESIGNER
McArdle’s Florist & Garden Center
48 Arch St.,
203-661-5600 | mcardles.com
GARDEN CENTER
Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses
437 North St.,
203-869-3418 | sambridge.com
LINENS
Lynnens
278 Greenwich Ave.,
203-629-3659 | lynnens.com
RUGS
Turabian & Sariyan
21 Northfield St.,
203-869-5950 | turabianandsariyan.com
FITNESS
PILATES
Core Pilates
415 Greenwich Ave.
203-914-4433
146 Sound Beach Ave.,
203-344-1844 | corepilatesstudios.com
YOGA STUDIO
Kaia Yoga
328 Pemberwick Rd.,
203-532-0660
1455 East Putnam Ave.,
203-990-0967 | kaiayoga.com/greenwich
SPINNING CLASSES
SoulCycle
266 Mason St.,
203-653-7685 | soul-cycle.com
GYM
Equinox
16 Old Track Rd.,
203-863-0070 | equinox.com
FITNESS STUIO
Elliptica
1345 East Putnam Ave.,
203-344-1193 | ellipticastudios.com
DANCE FITNESS
Arthur Murray
6 Lewis St.,
203-769-1800 | arthurmurray-greenwich.com
STEP UP
BEST FITNESS STUDIO
Elliptica
A newcomer to the Greenwich fitness scene (its Old Greenwich-based studio opened in January), Elliptica has taken off like a rocket ship. “We wanted to do a boutique fitness model that was unique and different,” says cofounder Laura Laboissonniere. She and her business partner, Clair Mason, conceived a low-impact, high-energy workout regime using elliptical machines and integrating weights and resistance training. “Everyone loves our classes,” she adds. “Especially young moms who appreciate the on-site childcare.” Having carved out a niche in a highly competitive field, Laura knows about achieving goals. Here she debunks several fitness myths.
Rethinking the Workout
Elliptical (and other group fitness classes) are only for females.
FALSE
“Men enjoy the energy of a group class as much as women do. In fact, men comprise more than 50 percent of our client base; they are some of our biggest fans!”
Low-impact exercise is less effective than HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout.
FALSE
“Low impact workouts are just as effective as high impact workouts, especially when you are utilizing resistance training and weights. Bottom line: You are getting a great workout while protecting your joints from injuries down the road.”
You need to be sore to see results.
FALSE
“Pain should not be your main goal while working out,” says Laura. “Different workouts will change your body in different ways. Low impact workouts are a great way to see results without adding stress to your body.”
You have to exercise at least sixty minutes per day to see results.
FALSE
“The most important part is to just get your body moving,” says Laura. “If you are adding three forty-five-minute classes to your routine weekly, then you are moving more than you were and that is a lifestyle benefit. At the end of the day, we have an obesity problem in this country, and any amount of time spent exercising is positive.”
CROSSFIT
Division 1 Prep
200 N. Pemberwick
Rd., 203-489-3300 | division1prep.com
FITNESSWEAR
Lululemon Athletica
151 Greenwich Ave.,
203-622-5046 | lululemon.com
BARRE
Go Figure
141 West Putnam Ave.,
203-625-7616 | gofigurestudio.com
SPORTS GEAR
Bruce Park Sports
104 Mason St.,
203-869-1382 | bruceparksports.com
BICYCLE SHOP
Dave’s Cycle
78 Valley Rd.,
203-661-7736 | davescyclect.com
GOLF EQUIPMENT
Griffith E. Harris Golf Course
1323 King St.,
203-531-7200 | thegriffgolf.org
LOCAL HOTEL + WEDDING RECEPTION SITE
Delamar Greenwich Harbor
500 Steamboat Rd.,
203-661-9800 | delamargreenwich.com
LIVE MUSIC SPOT
Beach House Cafe
220 Sound Beach Ave.,
203-637-0367 | beachhousecafegreenwich.com
PERFORMING ARTS
The Greenwich Symphony Orchestra
10 Hillside Rd.,
203-869-2664 greenwichsymphony.org
LOCAL RADIO STATION
WGCH
71 Lewis St.,
203-869-1490 | wgch.com
FAMILY LIFE
BABY STORE + CHILDREN’S CLOTHES
Anna Banana
248 Sound Beach Ave.,
203-637-0128
KIDS’ HAIRCUTS
Generations Barber
3 Boulder Ave.,
203-637-8266 | generations1929.com
TOY STORE
Smart Kids’ Toys
17 East Elm St.,
203-869-0022 | sktoys.com
PERSONAL CHEF SERVICES
The Cooking Fairy
914-548-9379
PET SUPPLIES + PET CLOTHING
Pet Pantry Warehouse
1191 East Putnam Ave.,
203-344-9295 | ppwpet.com
DOG GROOMER/PET SPA
The Pampered Pooch
257 East Putnam Ave.,
203-629-9100 | pamperedpoochcare.com
VETERINARIAN
Greenwich Animal Hospital
430 West Putnam Ave.,
203-869-0534 | greenwichanimalhospital.com
AUTO REPAIR
Zelenz Brothers Auto Body
37 Sherwood Pl.,
203-869-1414 | zelenzautobodyrepair.com
CAR WASH
Splash Car Wash
73 East Putnam Ave.,
203-625-0809
625 W. Putnam Ave.,
203-531-4497 | splashcarwashes.com
DRY CLEANERS
Thomas Cleaners
68 Lewis St.,
203-869-9420
EDUCATION
MUSIC LESSONS + CHILDREN’S MUSIC LESSONS
Riverside School of Music
401 East Putnam Ave.,
203-661-9501 | riversideschoolofmusic.org
ART CLASSES
Action Art School
242 Sound Beach Ave.,
203-637-2685 | actionartschool.com
TEST PREP
Carnegie Pollak
136 Old Stone Bridge Rd.,
203-352-3500 | carnegiepollak.com
LANGUAGE CLASSES
The Chinese Language School
139 East Putnam Ave. and 1 University Place, Stamford
866-301-4906 | chineselanguageschool.org
MUSEUM + MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN + ART GALLERY
Bruce Museum of Arts & Science
1 Museum Dr.,
203-869-0376 | brucemuseum.org
BOOKSTORE
Diane’s Books
8A Grigg St.,
203-869-1515 | dianesbooks.com
COOKING CLASSES + GOURMET TO GO
Aux Délices
3 West Elm St.,
203-622-6644
1075 East Putnam Ave.,
203-698-1066 | auxdelicesfoods.com
STYLE & BEAUTY
FASHION & JEWELRY
DEPARTMENT STORE + WOMEN’S FASHION
Saks Fifth Avenue
205 Greenwich Ave.,
203-862-5300 | saksfifthavenue.com/greenwich
BLACK TIE ATTIRE + MEN’S WEDDING ATTIRE + MEN’S FASHION + JEANS + MEN’S SHOES + SELECTION OF LOCAL JEWELERS
Richards
359 Greenwich Ave.,
203-622-0551 | mitchellstores.com
COCKTAIL ATTIRE + DESIGNER JEWELRY + DESIGNER BOUTIQUE + ACCESSORIES
Copious Row
86 Greenwich Ave.,
203-340-2720 | copiousrow.com
WOMEN’S SHOES
Stuart Weitzman
120 Greenwich Ave.,
203-622-5036 | stuartweitzman.com
CONSIGNMENT
Roundabout
48 West Putnam Ave.,
203-552-0787 | roundaboutcouture.com
EYEWEAR
Sunglass Hut
260 Greenwich Ave.,
203-629-7907 | sunglasshut.com
SWIMWEAR
Everything But Water
84 Greenwich Ave.,
203-622-1878 | everythingbutwater.com
TEEN FASHION
Madewell
256 Greenwich Ave.,
203-661-1591 | madewell.com
LINGERIE
Petticoat Lane
347 Greenwich Ave.,
203-863-0045 | petticoat-lane.com
TAILOR
Ted the Tailor
2 Church St.,
203-869-5699
COSTUME JEWELRY + HOME ACCESSORIES BOUTIQUE
Splurge
39 Lewis St.,
203-869-7600 | splurgegifts.com
MEN’S WATCHES + WOMEN’S WATCHES +ESTATE JEWELRY + WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Betteridge
239 Greenwich Ave.,
203-869-0124 | betteridge.com
LOCAL JEWELRY BOUTIQUE
Steven Fox
8 Lewis St.,
203-629-3303 | stevenfoxjewelry.com
TRENDING FOR FALL
BEST COCKTAIL ATTIRE/ ACCESSORIES/ DESIGNER JEWELRY
Copious Row
Whether in need of a special occasion dress or a wardrobe overhaul, fashion savvy women of all ages flock to this chic designer boutique on Greenwich Avenue. “Our expert stylists can guide shoppers to their next fashion must-haves,” says David Chines, CEO and creative director. “With its mix of cutting-edge designer and heritage names, the curated selection is both inspiring and head-turning.”
To get a jump-start on fall, Chines offered these takes on the season’s hottest trends.
Magenta and Red
“It’s not just about one color but a combination of two,” he says. “Fuchsia is the hottest color of the season and when combined with red, you’re on point.” Think color-blocked blouses, printed dresses and mixing solid pieces in two different shades. “Try pairing the look with a bold handbag in any shade of the rainbow,” he adds.
Bring on the Bling
“Sequins and sparkle are no longer just for special occasions,” says Chines. “This fall, shimmer works day and night. You’ll find it on jackets, T-shirts, dresses and handbags. Don’t be afraid to shine!” He suggests a bejeweled T-shirt with jeans and sneakers by day, and for evening an updated silk blouse with paillette detailing paired with starry shoes.
Cat’s Meow
Animal prints always look modern and sleek, especially leopard, “the new neutral,” says Chines. “You’ll need a leopard-print coat this fall. Everyone from Victoria Beckham to Tom Ford showed their own interpretation of this wardrobe staple. It’s time to replace your black or gray basic coat with something far more dazzling.”
The ’80s Are Back
Yes, shoulder pads are a thing. As are neon colors, carefree and easy layered styling, and loud accessories in bright colors with plenty of detailing. “Decadent dressing filled with excess detailing is major,” says Chines. “Don’t be afraid to channel your inner rock star.”
Everything’s Rosey
For jewelry, rose gold is here to stay. An easy element to mix and match, you can layer and stack it with anything in your jewelry box. Its laid-back elegance makes it a natural for bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings. And it takes you from day to night.
BEAUTY & BRIDAL
MAKEUP ARTIST
Elena of Christopher Noland Salon & Beauty Spa
124 Greenwich Ave.,
203-622-4247 | christophernoland.com
COSMETICS STORE
Sephora
75 Greenwich Ave.,
203-422-2191 | sephora.com
WOMEN’S SALON + COLORIST
Color Cafe
23 Benedict Pl.,
203-769-1929 | colorcafestudio.com
BLOW OUT + UPDO
Hopscotch Salon
10 Railroad Ave.,
203-661-0107 | hopscotchsalon.com
MEN’S SALON
Classic Barber
396 Greenwich Ave.,
203-869-3600 | classicbarbergreenwich.com
DAY SPA
Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel
500 Steamboat Rd.,
203-661-9800 | delamar.com
FACIAL + WAXING
Celia B Skin Care
181 Greenwich Ave.,
203-861-6850 | celiabskincare.com
MASSAGE
Massage Mavens
59 Le Grande Ave.,
203-340-2518 | massagemavens.com
SPRAY TAN
Zen Bronze
1081 East Putnam Ave.,
203-990-0209 | zenbronze.com
MANICURE + PEDICURE
Cozy Nail & Spa
103 Greenwich Ave.,
203-622-3023 | cozynailbeauty.com
MEN’S WEDDING ATTIRE + BLACK TIE ATTIRE + MEN’S FASHION + JEANS + MEN’S SHOES + SELECTION OF LOCAL JEWELERS
Richards
359 Greenwich Ave.,
203-622-0551 | mitchellstores.com
WEDDING FLORAL DESIGNER + FLORIST
McArdle’s Florist & Garden Center
48 Arch St.,
203-661-5600 | mcardles.com
BRIDAL GOWNS + BRIDESMAID DRESS BOUTIQUE
Marietta C Designs
436 East Putnam Ave.,
203-661-2171 | mariettac.com
WEDDING RECEPTION SITE + LOCAL HOTEL
Delamar Greenwich Harbor
500 Steamboat Rd.,
203-661-9800 | delamargreenwich.com
l’escale
500 Steamboat Rd.,
203-661-4600 | lescalerestaurant.com
WEDDING CAKES
Sweet Lisa’s
3 Field Rd.,
203-869-9545 | sweetlisas.com
WEDDING INVITATIONS
J Papers
115 Mason St.
203-769-5104 | jpapers.com
WEDDING GIFTS + WEDDING REGISTRY + CHINA/TABLETOP
Hoagland’s of Greenwich
175 Greenwich Ave.,
203-869-2127 | hoaglands.com
WEDDING DJ/ LIVE MUSIC
Richie Vance Productions
203-249-9359 | richievance.com
FACE FORWARD
BEST MAKEUP ARTIST
Christopher Noland Salon, Elena Hristu
This sleek Greenwich Avenue salon is the go-to spot for photo-op ready makeup—think charity events, proms, weddings and socials. We asked senior stylist and makeup artist Elena Hristu, who divides her time between New York City and Greenwich, to give us her top tips for creating a flawless face.
Beauty Insider
1 What is the key to a fresh daytime look?
“I love our LIRA BB tint foundation, which has SPF 30 in it. Mixed with LIRA serum, this provides a natural glow and will cover any imperfections,” Elena says.
2 Is there an easy way to go from work to cocktails?
“Touch up your mascara, go a bit heavier on the blush for more pronounced cheekbones and don’t forget to reapply your lipstick,” she says.
3 Got any tips for a black-tie event?
“Go for deeper, more natural colors that are more pronounced.”
4 What look is new and modern now?
“Fuller eyebrows and lips,” Elena says. “But the face is more natural. Think pale colors. Porcelain skin was all over the runways this spring.”
5 And to achieve that look?
“Start with the right foundation by sampling it on your neck. Similarly, to get the right blush, base it on your skin tone. If you have peach-toned skin, then find a peach-toned blush. A burgundy tone is best with darker skin.”
6 What should every woman avoid?
“Thick eyeliner and heavy foundation,” Elena says. “It’s amazing how much that ages a woman’s face.”