23rd May 2013
Post
New Fairfield contestant appearing Friday on “Millionaire”
Donna Christopher
Updated 10:51 pm, Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The News-Times
Read more: http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/New-Fairfield-contestant-appearing-Friday-on-4540172.php#ixzz2U7SGiPqU
NEW FAIRFIELD — Ellen Schwartz, a music instructor from New Fairfield, will be a contestant on “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” in the episode airing Friday.
Currently hosted by Meredith Vieira, Millionaire can be seen locally on New York City’s WABC (channel 7), weekdays at 12:30 p.m.
Schwartz, 58, has two children, Sam, 29, and Alp, 25. She is a music instructor who teaches piano and guitar, and owner of a computer store, Danbury Multimedia Center, on Federal Road in Danbury. She also is an educational assistant at Henry Abbott Technical High School in Danbury.
Schwartz told the show’s producers that she once won a singing competition at a gas station. Her local radio station was holding a competition and looking for participants to sing James Brown songs. She sang “I Feel Good” and won a weekend retreat in the Catskills and two tickets to a James Brown concert.
Schwartz said that if she won big on Millionaire, she would finally have the freedom to set up a recording studio and devote her time to writing songs.
The show on which Schwartz was a contestant was taped on Nov. 13, said Trisha Miller, publicist for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.
“She auditioned in October at the Apollo Theater. An audition consists of taking a written test of multiple-choice questions similar to ones on the actual show. If you pass you have a brief interview with one of the show’s producers. Then, based on how you did on the test, we send a postcard that says you’re selected or not selected.”
Contestants arrive early to the set at ABC studios in Manhattan the mornings of tapings. “They get briefed by an executive producer and advice on playing the game and using the life lines,” Miller said.
Five episodes are taped daily in front of a live audience. Typically there are 10 to 15 contestants on set for the tapings.
The show is gearing up for season 12, which will premiere Sept. 2.
dchristopher@newstimes.com, 203-731-3347, http://twitter.com/dchristopherct
Read more: http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/New-Fairfield-contestant-appearing-Friday-on-4540172.php#ixzz2U7SCVnqm
23rd May 2013
Post
Green Tea: visually pleasing, tasty Asian food
Donna Christopher
Published 2:57 pm, Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The News-Times
Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Green-Tea-visually-pleasing-tasty-Asian-food-4535444.php#ixzz2U7RfzgOt
Green Tea Japanese and Asian Bistro is the latest in a series of incarnations — all Asian — at 470 Main St. in Ridgefield. An advantage of this restaurant’s choice location is that customers can enter via the Yankee Ridge shopping center, where there’s plenty of parking.
Previously the spot was known as Maru, Junmai and Koo. As before, the cuisine is extensive and includes sushi, sashimi, Chinese, Japanese and Southeast Asian dishes.
Green Tea has two inviting bars — one for sushi and the other for cocktails. There also are round tables and banquettes, so any size party will be comfortable.
The furniture is dark against lavender walls that display multidimensional artwork made from natural items, such as twigs. The dark decor is brightened by recessed lighting.
Trendy touches include a steel-mesh curtain used as a decorative room separator and a fully populated koi fish tank by the entrance.
I went for dinner on a recent Sunday and enjoyed the jazz playing in the background. Since I hadn’t eaten lunch, I planned on ordering appetizers and dessert, in addition to an entree.
My date and I shared two main dishes, both freshly prepared and tasty, though we both felt their exceptional element had more to do with the harmonious presentation of the food.
I noticed this attention to detail when we first arrived around 5 p.m., observing two families and a group of teens eating their meals. From our corner table, we saw sushi and sashimi combinations served on plates that looked like a Japanese garden, not a sushi boat or raw fish on a plate.
Over hot tea we first shared honey-glazed baby back ribs and Szechuan dumplings, while appetizers could have been satay beef, pork and shumai dumplings — the tasty shrimp ones — among other options.
Our waitress was outgoing and offered suggestions to help us choose, though we independently decided on having our own sushi and sashimi dinner. We also chose chicken mango from the Thai menu.
All of our food arrived swiftly and portioned sufficiently. We shared everything starting with the ribs, glistening meat on bones with a hot, sweet sauce that evoked “really good, outrageous” adjectives from my companion.
The seafood meal contained five pieces of sushi and eight of sashimi, plus a tuna roll. It came on a white plate with a banana leaf for resting the bites of salmon, yellow tail, tuna and others on rice.
The sashimi was presented on a mound of shaved ice in a clear glass bowl placed on the same dish. The bowl also had sliced avocado and a curly leaf vegetable to represent shrubs. The “landscaping” was bolstered by a small bamboo detail that looked like a fence and made me think of bonsai.
My chicken dish had mixed snips of zucchini and bamboo shoots and sprigs of coriander, along with the poultry. The food was garnished with a purple orchid, and I liked the marginally sweet flavor and lightness to the meal.
Later, over a generous hunk of warm chocolate cake covered with gobs of ice cream and whipped cream, we agreed we will return to Green Tea.
There are numerous entrees, such as coconut curry sea scallops with prawns and lobster tail; ginger-glazed chicken and prawns; Szechuan chicken or beef; crispy walnut prawns with string beans; and basil filet mignon and prawns. An especially pricey dish is the fresh Chilean sea bass.
A few days later I asked one of the owners, Angel Lin, why my receipt reads “Maru,” yet the sign outside the restaurant calls it “Green Tea.”
Lin said they had added more owners and then renamed it.
dchristopher@newstimes.com, 203-731-3347, http://twitter.com/dchristopherct
Green Tea Japanese & Asian Bistro, 470 Main St., Ridgefield, 203-431-8838, greentearidgefield.com
HOURS: Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, Saturday 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday 4:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Sushi bar: Yes. Delivery: Yes
CREDIT CARDS: American Express, Master Card, Visa, Discover
Prices: Appetizers $16-$1.75; noodles/fried rice $11.95-$9.95; entrees $24.95-$9.95;sushi/sashimi $8-$2;maki/rolls $10-$4; special rolls $17-$3. Delivery: Yes, for a fee within 4 miles. Place takeout orders by phone or online.
Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Green-Tea-visually-pleasing-tasty-Asian-food-4535444.php#ixzz2U7RTvff8
22nd May 2013
Post
Award winning journalist Donna Christopher has worked at Hearst Media Services The News-Times since 2004. She has contributed to Hersam Acorn Newspapers, Stevenson Publications, The New England Journal of Light Construction, Hartford Motherhood Examiner, Business Digest and various online and print media.
Assignments include restaurant reviews, the arts and entertainment, business, health, news and traffic reports and she posts updates to the newsroom blog and Twitter feed.
She has written about Auschwitz survivors, a Jewish chemist who analyzed blood samples of the Shroud of Turin, and a “chicken therapist” who visits a nursing home to cheer up people with dementia. The article, “Poultry in Motion,” ran on newstimes.com and the AP wire.
Lighter subjects include psychics and celebrities. She’s interviewed Judy’s daughter Lorna Luft, country music legend Larry Gatlin, “Happy Days” TV comedian Cindie Williams, The Temptations’ Otis Williams and soap opera hunk Maurice Benard. In her “centenarian” beat she recently met a cowboy who sang and danced at his 104-year old birthday party.
Donna has won three Society of Professional Journalists awards.
She previously worked for the U.S. Census Bureau and the United Nations.
She has a bachelor’s in political science from Western Connecticut State University.
29th April 2013
Post
New Eastern Mountain Sports opens in Danbury
Donna Christopher
Published 10:07 pm, Thursday, April 25, 2013
The News-Times
Danbury
Read more: http://www.newstimes.com/sports/article/New-Eastern-Mountain-Sports-opens-in-Danbury-4465041.php#ixzz2RrCOvcJbEastern Mountain Sports is the fourth retail store to open at the Shops at Marcus Dairy, in Danbury. It joins Panera Bread, Petco and Sleeper One. Whole Foods is slated to open in May.
Resplendent against a back wall is a colorful array of at least a dozen kayaks. There are more on the floor and stand-up paddle boards are also available among the expanded boat line. Brands include Bic and Wilderness Systems.
This is possible thanks to a doubling in size and much taller ceilings as compared to the previous location at Danbury Fair mall, just across the street. There, the kayaks were hung from the ceiling and were less noticeable.
Also larger is the footwear department, nearly doubled, a manager said. Merrill, North Face and UGG are among the brands sold here. And a new children’s apparel department has been added, along with shoes and gear, even hydration packs for kids.
Eastern Mountain Sports officially opened April 9 and the grand opening is this weekend. Door prizes and raffles, along with merchandise discounts, are planned for Friday to Sunday.
The store sells outdoor gear for everything from climbing to paddling and camping, along with apparel and shoes.
District store manager Gerry Arel explained the impetus for the move.
“The mall served us well for a number of years but we couldn’t expand the space. We wanted to expand our assortment of products and give easier access to our customers. There’s parking right in front of the store (now).”
Arel said he expects the company will have a mutually beneficial relationship with Whole Foods when it opens. Store manager Cory Watson agreed.
“Our customers, like theirs, are active and concerned about their health and eat healthy and organic food,” she said.
“It’s a good synergy of values for the two companies. They will be a great co-tenant,” Arel said.
Customer Kirk Lauri estimates he spent around $3,000 at Eastern Mountain Sports last year. He went in to buy paddles Thursday. The father of four, an outdoorsman, is Scoutmaster for Brookfield Troop 135.
“I spend a lot of time here. I’ve been to the other newer Eastern Mountain Sports in the region (in Norwalk). I’m glad they put a big store here finally.”
Eastern Mountain Sports is located at 3A Sugar Hollow Road in Danbury. Call 203-794-1043. Hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
dchristopher@newstimes.com, 203-731-3347, http://twitter.com/dchristopherct
25th April 2013
Post
New Empire Szechuan is a laid-back and affordable Asian restaurant
Donna Christopher
Published 3:48 pm, Tuesday, April 23, 2013
The News-Times
Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/New-Empire-Szechuan-is-a-laid-back-and-affordable-4457090.php#ixzz2RTlYVBvU
Small but substantive, New Empire Szechuan is laid-back and serene, and given its Ridgefield location, quite affordable; two dined here recently for $40.
The restaurant, located opposite Kohl’s in Copp’s Hill Plaza, serves Chinese, Asian and Japanese dishes.
Soft instrumental music and a cup of aromatic jasmine tea enhances the relaxed setting.
At a recent early Sunday dinner, our waitress was cheery, funny and knowledgeable. The decor is simple with a few special touches, such as a coffered ceiling with a blue light and filtered sunlight.
Menu-wise it was hard to decide. Chinese dishes include some combination or all of the following: chicken, pork, beef, shrimp and scallops prepared with broccoli, black bean sauce, lobster sauce and Hunan-style.
Among the specials were crispy, fried prawns battered with sweet mayonnaise and topped with honey walnut. Another was Mongolian beef, shredded and sauteed with onions and scallions in hoisin sauce.
The Southeast Asian entrees range from spicy mango sauce with chicken, tofu, shrimp or scallops, to Malaysian red curry sauce and Indonesian Sambal sauce — a bright red chili sauce.
Japanese dishes include sushi and sashimi, as well as sushi rolls that can be ordered a la carte and in combinations. The seafood choices are extensive, too, including yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, striped bass, octopus, scallops, shrimp and sea urchin.
Japanese “kitchen entrees” include chicken, shrimp, salmon, steak, tuna and beef negimaki, all made teriyaki style and served with soup or salad and rice; vegetable, chicken or shrimp and vegetable tempura; udon or soba soup containing vegetable, chicken or shrimp and sauteed udon or soba noodles with vegetable, chicken or shrimp.
There are meal combinations, too, in a bento box, for instance, where you can have soup or salad, shumai (pork) dumpling, shrimp roll, California roll and rice. The boxes each have a main ingredient, either chicken, steak, shrimp or salmon teriyaki, or shrimp or chicken and vegetable tempura, sushi or sashimi and beef negimaki (rolled beef with scallions).
We were happy with our Chinese appetizer of wonton in hot sesame sauce. The sauce is actually a combination of sesame oil and peanut sauce. The wrappers were creamy soft, subtlety contrasted with the sweet, zesty sauce.
Since maki (rolls) were our main course, we ordered an assortment. In addition to the salmon and tuna, we had yellowtail and a vegetable combination of three rolls that included cucumber and avocado, sweet potato and peanut and avocado, all good.
The spicy rolls, although “nicely done,” according to my dining partner, needed “more spice.”
We also shared a wonton soup and salad with ginger dressing.
If you’re watching your wallet, know that there are lunch specials here. Also there are noodle dishes, including pad thai with chicken, beef or shrimp, and you can have your food delivered if you live or work within 5 miles.
dchristopher@newstimes.com, 203-731-3347, http://twitter.com/dchristopherct
New Empire Szechuan, 113 Danbury Road (Copps Hill Plaza, in front of Kohl’s), Ridgefield, 203-431-0488; Fax 203-431-0599
HOURS: Monday-Thursday 11:15 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday, Saturday 11:15 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday Noon- 9:30 p.m. Sushi bar: Yes, except on Mondays. Delivery: Yes
CREDIT CARDS: American Express, Master Card, Visa, Discover
Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/New-Empire-Szechuan-is-a-laid-back-and-affordable-4457090.php#ixzz2RTlSk4Gh
15th April 2013
Post
Celebrity makeup accessible in homes
Donna Christopher
Published 11:28 pm, Thursday, April 11, 2013
The News-Times
Danbury, Conn.
Read more: http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Celebrity-makeup-accessible-in-homes-4428694.php#ixzz2QXGkvbBF
Celebrity makeup is locally accessible at home parties through a new company called Alcone at Home.
The company sells products that are used by professional makeup artists, mainly the more popular lines. Some famous wearers of this makeup include Lucy Liu, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Ripa and Queen Latifah.
Ridgefield resident Michele Gay started the business in February. She is president of the family-owned Alcone Co., a supplier of makeup to professionals, which has more than 30,000 clients internationally.
The business is based in Long Island City, N.Y., and there’s a retail store called Alcone NYC on 49th Street in Times Square.
Meanwhile, the best-selling foundations, concealers, eye shadows and lipsticks have been repackaged in magnetic containers for sale at home parties. These include a key line of eye shadows from Israel.
“There are over 150 shades,” said Gay, 40.
Her father, Vincent Mallardi, bought Alcone Co. from a pharmacist in 1980, she said. “The previous owner started it in 1950. Back then he had just a few shelves at a pharmacy in Times Square with cosmetics that he sold to show girls.”
Gay’s sister, former company president, and brother, vice president, are presently growing the customer base and expanding inventory, she said.
Gay’s focus is to bring the products directly to consumers. “It makes sense,” she said.
Up until now, most of Alcone’s customers have been professional makeup artists or special effects makeup artists. A large part of the business comes from Broadway makeup artists from shows such as “Phantom of the Opera,” “Wicked,” “Lion King” and “Kinky Boots.”
But Gay said the products are good for everyone and now “everyday women” can see and sample them at home parties.
Gay is working on adding to her sales forces. She said there’s a degree of training, but reps don’t need to be professional makeup artists. “It’s multilevel marketing, and you recruit and train people under you.”
Donna Litke, of Glastonbury, attended a party at a friend’s home a month ago and bought a finishing powder. “It’s unique in the quality,” she said. “It sets my makeup and probably is the best I’ve found. Prices are affordable, and the products are fairly sized in terms of the amount you get in the packages.”
For more information, visit alconeco.com and alconeathome.com; also contact michele@alconeathome.com
dchristopher@newstimes.com; 203-731-3347; http://twitter.com/dchristopherct
Read more: http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Celebrity-makeup-accessible-in-homes-4428694.php#ixzz2QXGMaJe1
10th April 2013
Post
Published in The News-Times
April 10, 2013
Venice Restaurant & Pizza: Expect classic Italian in casual setting
Donna Christopher
Published 7:08 pm, Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Recently I dined at Venice Restaurant & Pizza in Ridgefield and was reminded why I come here for take-out or whenever I’m hungry for a slice.
First, it’s convenient. The location at the center of Ridgefield’s bustling Copps Hill Plaza is a plus.
But more so, I go because the employees — from the pizza counter servers to the kindly wait staff in the dining room — treat you like a guest, not a stranger. They exude warmth; there’s no pretention, just busy, hard-working people.
The dining room has dark tables and chairs; the tables are covered with crisp white linens. Neutrally painted walls are offset by a black ceiling. All in all it makes for a dining area that’s romantic, but suitably casual, so couples, families of all sizes and anyone dining alone will feel at ease.
Pizza at Venice has been discussed in online reviews and has been called “New York style.” I would agree.
The same goes for the Italian food. Overall I’m reminded of the kinds of restaurants frequented in parts of the city’s boroughs and on Long Island. I don’t mean chains; I mean the family-owned places that draw a faithful following.
If you enjoy the scent of simmering garlic, onions and tomatoes, you’ll love the aroma in Venice. The dishes a family member and I tried here on a recent Thursday oozed with flavor.
Upon arrival, we were instantly seated at a rear table and I began reading through the multitude of toppings for gourmet pizza, as I planned to order a small one.
In addition to the pies, calzones and grinders, there’s a vast array of main course dishes involving pastas and fresh cuts of chicken, pork, veal, steak and seafood.
Servers dressed in black darted in and out of the kitchen with impossibly heavy trays of steaming food, making it look easier than it most certainly was.
This always impresses me and mattered most at Venice when one of the platters was heading in my direction. It was the 12-inch pizza, which is a personal size, yet plenty for two people to share.
My selection was a Bolognese pie. It had a liberal sprinkling of ground beef, peas and sauce. A second entree I ordered was canneloni with spinach and sausage. The pasta had a pink, creamy sauce — light and cheesy like a good bechamel recipe I like to make for lasagna.
Our third selection was veal cutlet Parmesan. It came with a separate dish of pasta, which we asked to have with Alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce.
It was “excellent,” said my companion, also noting the meat was tender.
I ate most of the canneloni and he enjoyed the veal. The pasta was buttery and tender, and the minced mixture was refined and smooth. It was a kind of Italian comfort food — not heavy, but substantially satisfying.
Among entrees at Venice, you might choose chicken Marsala, or Chicken Venice Special — a dish with garlic, mushrooms and wine sauce over fettucini.
There’s also Pork Chop Pizzaiola and Veal Scallopini Pizzaiola; both dishes contain garlic, calamata olives, chopped onions, white wine and marinara sauce.
Pasta meals include ziti with broccoli, rigatoni with sausage and spinach, meat tortellini with cream sauce, and lobster ravioli in vodka sauce, among others.
There are four ways to enjoy steak at Venice. One is a grilled New York Strip, another is New York Strip Steak Pizzaiola with fried garlic, white wine in a light brown gravy, and a touch of marinara sauce.
Seafood dishes include filet of sole, shrimp scampi and Zuppa di Pesce — a banquet in a bowl that I noticed another patron eating. It comes with calamari, clams, mussels, shrimp and scungilli over linguini.
Plenty of appetizers are on the menu, too. Among them are Clams Oreganta, clams casino and fried calamari.
Brothers Joey Escobar and German Escobar own Venice with chef Jose Caballero. Caballero worked more than 25 years here under previous owner and founder Frank Massaro.
Now that temperatures are warming, I’ll also mention that there’s outside dining in a pleasant patio setting. It’s made private with potted trees and a stone wall, which envelops the front of Venice.
dchristopher@newstimes.com; 203-731-3347; http://twitter.com/dchristopherct
Venice Restaurant & Pizza
3 Copps Hill Plaza, Route 35, Ridgefield, 203-438-3333
HOURS: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
RESERVATIONS: Taken
CATERING: Yes
Outside dining: Yes
CREDIT CARDS: American Express, Master Card, Visa, Discover
Prices: Appetizers $10.95-$3.95; pasta $11.95-$9.95; entrees $18.95-$10.95; pizza, calzones and grinders $18.25-$4.95
Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Venice-Restaurant-Pizza-Expect-classic-Italian-4421904.php#ixzz2Q5aYB3fv
10th April 2013
Post
http://blog.newstimes.com/offbeat/2009/12/11/651/
It’s been four years since I added this post to the staff blog, and still I hear from like-minded readers about the benefits of not carrying a handbag.
And yes, I stick to it steadfastly, and often turn to my outing “mate,” husband, friend, or child to stick my glasses or cell phone in their bag.
I have experienced an improvement in my posture since adopting this plan, suggested to me by my chiropractor.
Here’s the original post. Feel free to post comments
December 11, 2009 at 8:39 am by Donna Christopher
“No problem, Sweetheart,” my husband said when I asked him to carry my camera and glasses in his backpack. We were on the platform waiting for a train to New York on Saturday.
A few weeks ago I had stopped carrying a “purse” on the advice of my chiropractor who has adjusted my back to the point I feel fabulous. Fortunately, Jay carries a backpack for his medicine, nothing more, so it’s light and not a problem. Well, not unless we go out together
With some “withdrawal,” I’d taken this suggestion and feel liberated, really great. The purses I used to carry were actually large bags the size of a briefcase only prettier and containing a week’s worth of stuff I really didn’t need. Women know what I mean. The chiropractor said carrying heavy bags drags down the shoulders and ladies should lose the bags and will feel better.
So that day, carrying nothing but some cash, a credit card and my cell phone, I walked freely through the rain towards Times Square on the way to Rue 57 www.rue57.com where we were meeting family for lunch. We passed through Rockefeller Center and I noticed a vendor with pictures of celebrities. I picked one of Lady Gaga for my daughter, a fan, and handed it to Jay to put in his bag to keep it dry. “No problem,” he said ducking beneath an awning to to unzip his backpack, stuff in the purchase, and re-zip, then we carried on.
At 52nd St. I saw a table of sweaters that were made in Guatemala, you know the kind that are handmade and bulky, perfect to wear in my icy condo in December. After rifling through a pile and spotting a small, a rare find, I handed the lady $35 and the sweater to Jay. He said nothing as he stuffed the cardigan into his bag, only this time seemed to have trouble rezipping though he did. I think his eyes rolled a little, though it was hard to tell ’cause it was pouring.
After lunch, we went outside and took a Subway to midtown to my daughter’s place on 49th. Walking with Jay and my brother on Lexington, I said we needed to pick up wine so we found a shop and I went in myself to get a couple of bottles. I had the man giftwrap them and went back out to meet up with the guys. I handed the bag to Jay.
“It won’t fit,” he said, but not hesitating, he placed the bottles under his coat to keep it from getting wet, and we walked fast towards Jenna’s place.
At the apartment, she said, “Mom, you look great,” and I credited my chiropractor for adjusting my back to the point it feels good as new. I also passed on the advice about not carrying a purse.
Jay heard the conversation and said nothing. I think he rolled his eyes a little. And he smiled.
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Published by The News-Times
Danbury, Conn.
December 11, 2009 at 8:39 am by Donna Christopher
“No problem, Sweetheart,” my husband said when I asked him to carry my camera and glasses in his backpack. We were on the platform waiting for a train to New York on Saturday.
A few weeks ago I had stopped carrying a “purse” on the advice of my chiropractor who has adjusted my back to the point I feel fabulous. Fortunately, Jay carries a backpack for his medicine, nothing more, so it’s light and not a problem. Well, not unless we go out together
With some “withdrawal,” I’d taken this suggestion and feel liberated, really great. The purses I used to carry were actually large bags the size of a briefcase only prettier and containing a week’s worth of stuff I really didn’t need. Women know what I mean. The chiropractor said carrying heavy bags drags down the shoulders and ladies should lose the bags and will feel better.
So that day, carrying nothing but some cash, a credit card and my cell phone, I walked freely through the rain towards Times Square on the way to Rue 57 www.rue57.com where we were meeting family for lunch. We passed through Rockefeller Center and I noticed a vendor with pictures of celebrities. I picked one of Lady Gaga for my daughter, a fan, and handed it to Jay to put in his bag to keep it dry. “No problem,” he said ducking beneath an awning to to unzip his backpack, stuff in the purchase, and re-zip, then we carried on.
At 52nd St. I saw a table of sweaters that were made in Guatemala, you know the kind that are handmade and bulky, perfect to wear in my icy condo in December. After rifling through a pile and spotting a small, a rare find, I handed the lady $35 and the sweater to Jay. He said nothing as he stuffed the cardigan into his bag, only this time seemed to have trouble rezipping though he did. I think his eyes rolled a little, though it was hard to tell ’cause it was pouring.
After lunch, we went outside and took a Subway to midtown to my daughter’s place on 49th. Walking with Jay and my brother on Lexington, I said we needed to pick up wine so we found a shop and I went in myself to get a couple of bottles. I had the man giftwrap them and went back out to meet up with the guys. I handed the bag to Jay.
“It won’t fit,” he said, but not hesitating, he placed the bottles under his coat to keep it from getting wet, and we walked fast towards Jenna’s place.
At the apartment, she said, “Mom, you look great,” and I credited my chiropractor for adjusting my back to the point it feels good as new. I also passed on the advice about not carrying a purse.
Jay heard the conversation and said nothing. I think he rolled his eyes a little. And he smiled.
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27th March 2013
Post
The Hideaway Kitchen & Bar: Popular Ridgefield corner thriving again
Donna Christopher
Published 2:12 pm, Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The News-Times
Danbury, Conn.
Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/The-Hideaway-Kitchen-Bar-Popular-Ridgefield-4385778.php#ixzz2Ol2pcnc3
Thanks to the Hideaway Kitchen & Bar, the popular Grove Street and Sunset Lane corner in Ridgefield is thriving again.
The Corner Pub was here for three decades, but closed last year. Now the one-story brick building has been renovated. Outside it has been painted black and there are new windows with opaque glass that lend a sort of mystery I find appealing.
It was a bitter cold Thursday when a family member joined me to dine here around 6:30 p.m. All the parking spots were full — a good sign when you want good food. Once inside we blended nicely with about six or more families with kids, all carrying on lively conversations. It was a friendly atmosphere.
I like that you can order a burger here 12 different ways. These include the Hideaway, which comes with an over-easy egg, bacon and American cheese, and the French Onion Burger, with sauteed onions, mushrooms and Swiss cheese. There’s also a Chili Cheeseburger, which I requested.
The starters are classic and substantially portioned. Choices include Kobe Hot Dog Sliders, which come on pretzel bread. You also can enjoy chicken wings — from “scorching” to extra hot, barbecued and Thai — nachos and chicken quesadillas.
The new business is owned by Patrick Lynch and Roy Reeves. Reeves also owns the Bissell House in Ridgefield and King Street Restaurant and Bar in Chappaqua, N.Y.
Almost everything has been redone at the Hideaway, Lynch confirmed a few days later. A wall that previously separated the bar and dining room was taken out and there’s plenty of tables and chairs in both locations. Two flat-screen TVs were added in the bar.
A centerpiece in the dining room is a massive stone fireplace that used to be a tired-looking wood-burning stove. Walls are painted a light green and complement the wooden floor that looks to have been redone or replaced.
“It’s lighter, looks new,” my companion said of the decor.
Food-wise, we noticed a similarity to the Corner Pub tradition of having daily specials. Here they are called “Blue Plate Specials” and include meatloaf on Monday, roast turkey on Tuesday and so on. While choosing our entrees, we pre-ordered the Kobe Hot Dog Sliders I’d heard about from a previous diner. “They’re awesome,” my companion said.
I’m so glad my cheeseburger came with the house fries. The burger was excellent; it came medium-well, as requested, and hot.
My companion ordered the Balboa; this sandwich comes on a garlic ciabatta roll and contains shaved prime rib, provolone cheese, sauteed onions, hot cherry peppers, and a side of onion rings. The rings are a popular side dish, as are the Hideaway’s sweet potato fries.
Sandwiches here also include the classic Reuben and barbecued pulled pork.
The chili is rich and flavorful made with beef and red beans and the tomato-based sauce is spicy, but not too spicy. I have no doubt you can ask for more heat.
A few days later when I mentioned the fries to owner Lynch, he said preparing them is “labor intensive.” Explaining further, he said, “We use whole potatoes with the skins on, sliced fresh every day, which is rare (for restaurants to do). We double cook them to get them crispy.”
He also said the restaurant has attracted previous fans of the Corner Pub and new customers as well, including more families.
I counted 14 craft beers on the menu. There are six on tap, plus domestic and imported choices. There are also wines from Italy, California, New Zealand and France.
The Hideaway has a full dessert menu, including Black Forest Cake. Yum.
dchristopher@newstimes.com; 203-731-3347; http://twitter.com/dchristopherct
The Hideaway Kitchen & Bar
30 Grove St., Ridgefield, 203-438-7676
HOURS: Sunday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, Saturday 11:30 a.m.-midnight, bar stays open later.
RESERVATIONS: not taken
CREDIT CARDS: American Express, Master Card, Visa accepted
Prices: Salads $6.95-$10.95; starters $8.95-$11.95; sandwiches $8.95-$12.95; burgers $8.95-$12.95; daily specials: Monday, meatloaf, $14.95; Tuesday, roast turkey, $15.95; Wednesday, barbecued ribs, $14.95; Thursday, fish and chips, $14.95; Friday and Saturday, prime rib, $18.95.
Read more:
http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/The-Hideaway-Kitchen-Bar-Popular-Ridgefield-4385778.php#ixzz2Ol2dSGgu
I have not carried a purse in quite some time. Sometimes, if I need to carry anything, I carry a backpack.
The doctor told me not to carry a purse because of a bad back.
Comment by DianeM — December 11th, 2009 @ 1:22 pm
Pretty funny. Was Jay’s back hurting him at the end of this? Glad to hear your back feels good.
Comment by Nick Ingrisani — December 15th, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
I am definitely guilty of carrying my entire life in my bag every day. This includes text books, gym clothes, gym sneakers, make up, my wallet, keys, and the list goes on…
I can only imagine how bad this is for my back. Us women who carry this much stuff should get in the habit of throwing on a backpack. If the look of carrying a back pack is a concern, there are tons of cute back packs out there!
Comment by Jenna — December 16th, 2009 @ 9:38 am
Women don’t need 99% of the stuff they have in their bags. I haven’t carried a bag in probably 20 years – I have everything I need in a 5″, 3-compartment 2-zippered wallet that fits in my hand and in my coat pocket. Other than my sunglasses, which I can clip onto my shirt, I’m all set.
Comment by Secondhand Rose — December 24th, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
Since I don’t have little kids anymore I don’t wish to carry anyone’s things. I keep it simple with a small pocketbook containing only the essentials.
Comment by Chris Ingrisani — December 30th, 2009 @ 8:44 pm
There’s nothing worse than going out for an evening of barhopping with your single girlfriends and then getting stuck at the table while everyone else is dancing because someone has to watch all the handbags! For pete’s sake, even if you feel you DO have to carry one of those stupid things, at least have the brains to LEAVE IT IN THE CAR TRUNK! You can put your money in one pocket; your license in the other; clip your keys to your belt loop and stick a comb in your back pocket. Get a grip, ladies!
Comment by Secondhand Rose — December 31st, 2009 @ 11:56 am
I cannot do without my “mini-suitcase” like purse. Every single thing in there I need. Once, someone cut their finger, and I pulled out a tube of Neosporin.
Comment by Julie — January 29th, 2010 @ 7:16 pm
My wifes purse got stolen from her locked car in broad daylight last week. I’m trying to talk to her about even carrying one. Great article, thanks!
Comment by Chiropractor San Diego — March 3rd, 2010 @ 7:24 pm
We will bring those only important things.. it is also for our safety.
Comment by Chiropractor — February 8th, 2011 @ 5:23 am
I don’t want to believe I found this blog on page 4 in Google. Really glad I did, I’ve been looking for this for 4 months now thanks.
Comment by Carroll B. Merriman — July 17th, 2012 @ 10:53 pm