Amy LevinEpstein 
Warm up your winter with these cozy cocktails from some of the top bartenders in the area. Norman’s Hot Chocolate Jeffrey Hodson Hub and Spoke, Bridgeport, CT “Warm and chocolaty, this cocktail is like a warm hug or a snuggy sweater in the dead of winter. It was inspired by chilly days and Norman Rockwell … Read more
The best cooks have their favorite recipes—so easy they can barely be called recipes. Here, some of the Greenwich Wine + Food Ambassador Chefs share their go-tos. Stavros Karipides Famous Greek Kitchen in Greenwich, CT “I love to cook my Xorio (Country) Chicken dish for my family (or like my children refer to it, Daddy’s … Read more
Ever hear of proposal season? While couples definitely get engaged all year long, there is a real uptick in proposals during the period from Thanksgiving through Valentine’s Day—about 40 percent of proposals happen during that time, according to weddingwire.com. “I think it’s because it’s a time for family filled with joy and love; a time … Read more
Just engaged? Once the excitement wears off, you might feel overwhelmed thinking about wedding planning and not know where to start. We’re here to help. Make these your first to-dos: Set Your Budget Although it’s not the most romantic answer, it’s important to consult with a planner, or someone who at least has experience planning … Read more
Everyone loves a good chocolate chip cookie. Here, Kimmy Cakes’ Kim Brown shares her own recipe for oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. MAKES: APPROXIMATELY 30 COOKIES 2 sticks butter, softened 3⁄4 cup light brown sugar, gently packed 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1 3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour … Read more
Looking for a way to take your entertaining to the next level? We’ve got just the thing—wow your guests with a stylishly prepared platter or board. This book will teach you everything you need to know. The book, Platters & Boards, serves up plenty of beautifully-styled cheese and charcuterie platters, as well as unique boards (with … Read more
Step into Kim Brown’s baking studio in a beachy neighborhood in Stamford, CT, and you immediately understand one thing about her business outlook: bigger isn’t better. Like the California-bred Brown herself, the studio is sunny and petite—less than 200 square feet of oversized ovens, mixers and not much else. It’s part of a former guest … Read more
The best cooks have their favorite special ingredients that they always keep in their pantry or fridge. Here, some of the Greenwich Wine + Food Ambassador Chefs share their go-tos. Joe Giordano’s Go-To ingredient: Truffles “It can be used in anything from hors d’oeuvres to entrées. I was introduced to the ingredient when I was a … Read more
Massage can help you feel—and look—great. Here are four new ways to try it—and how they work. Massages can seem like the ultimate luxury, with the right session melting away the stress of a day or alleviating jet lag after a long flight. But they’re also a smart investment in your health. “Massage increases circulation, … Read more
Need a plan for a rainy summer day? Check out RPM Raceway in Stamford, CT, the new all-electric indoor go-kart track. In addition to casual racing on their two quarter-mile racing tracks, they have racing leagues (including a summer one for kids), a 14-lane bowling alley and virtual reality experiences. Don’t expect any lemon cars … Read more
Mike’s Organic Delivery has been delivering organic produce, pastured meats, grass-fed dairy and more to area residents since 2009. Now their Stamford, CT, warehouse is open to the public. Every week, from Tuesday to Friday (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), shoppers can browse and sample that week’s items and enjoy farmer and artisan vendor demos, … Read more
Visit Sammy and Nat with Friends, in Rye, NY, a joint venture from Samantha Benson (pictured above, right), who founded the line three years ago after leaving her job at Michael Kors, and her friend Darcy Callahan, who has run a children’s boutique in Westport, CT, for the past six years. The store will have … Read more
Last year, Village Beer Garden opened outside the Port Chester train station with Bavarian favorites like crispy chicken schnitzel sliders and bratwurst heroes. Now, the culinary options are expanded with the addition of Station House, an indoor spot with coal-fired pizza, roasted oysters and classic salads. This summer, catch Band of Horses on August 10 … Read more
The owner of the popular Kirby and Company shop, Elaine Kirby, just opened a little sister store in Darien, CT. “Kirby Girl takes girls on their journey from their backpacks to their first apartment,” says Kirby. This summer, she’s looking forward to helping college students make their dorm rooms a little more vibrant and colorful. … Read more
Some of the 2018 Greenwich wine + food festival chefs share the recipes they make that are so simple, they barely need to be written down. Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce Mike Pietrafeso, Ada’s Kitchen + Coffee, Riverside, CT, and Roost, Darien, CT Serves: 4-6 2 pounds fresh heirloom tomatoes (about 6) 3 cloves garlic, shaved … Read more
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