Mill River

Got an email today from the Mill River Collaborative without tons of info in stone, but it had two useful tidbits worth passing along. It said that Phase 1 begins in 2011 with anticipated completion in 2012 which will allow "the area between Main and Broad Streets to open to the public soon after." Interesting. Wait, why would it not be open to the public when it's completed? Huh. Anyway, although there were no months associated with those years, but it was more than I knew before. The email then, of course, asked for money. Well, it can't all be sunshine and puppies.

@#$%^&* Snow!

Well, hello there citizens! Hope you are keeping warm and digging out. Apologies for the radio silence during the bLiZzArD - we were hiding from it down the road in DC. We managed to get back in one piece just this evening, but it was a little harrowing. Why can no one figure out how to clean the highway going through NYC?

They're saying we got 16 inches. How are you all finding the roads in your neighborhood? The CT highways were a-ok as far as I could see, but even the major city roadways were a little dicey.

City info is available on the city site. MTA is running Saturday services on Tuesday the 28th, so be sure to check the schedule if you need to get up and down the New Haven line.

Giving Back

I was feeling all warm and fuzzy listening to a radio show about the Carnegie Hero Fund. It's an honor and a cash award given to ordinary people who, of their own free will, put their lives in mortal danger to try to save someone else - someone they may not even know! It's an inspiration and reminded me that 'tis the season for thinking of others. If you're looking for local opportunities to be a hero to someone in need, consider these options.

- Stop by any location of the Stamford Fire & Rescue Department any day from 8am to 10pm and drop off a toy. They are collecting 1,000 of them to wrap and donate to the families who use the Community Action Agency, the Franklin Street Shelter and the Pediatrics Ward of the Stamford Hospital.

- Donate your time or money to the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. The website provides information on volunteering, collecting food and giving them a little chunk of change.

- Fill your spare time with education by helping your fellow citizens learn reading, writing and language skills through the Literacy Volunteers of Stamford/Greenwich.

If you have others you'd like to suggest, comment it up!

(photo from love♡janine, flickr.com)

Stamford News Roundup

What's worth reading about our fair city now? Well...I'm glad you asked. What about:

- The latest on Mill River Park.

- We've got a dancin' First Lady.

- Bedford businesses stepping it up to show their holiday spirit.

- Profile of quirky local business making cuddly germs.

- More details on plans for Stamford's own version of Chelsea Piers.

- Crazy awful local car fire.

Dump the Halls

Today, my neighbor asked me about getting rid of old furniture. It's a good question because if you're not from this area (with family to tell you how it all works) it's hard to know exactly what to do. Your grandparents are coming for the holidays, your house is a trashy dump and the regular pickup won't take it! What's a citizen to do? I did a little due diligence, so I figured I'd share the same info with my blog buddies.

If it's in good enough shape for someone else, you can take it to Goodwill. If it's beyond all hope, look to the local dump or recycling center. Stamford Talk did a great blog post on exactly that, and you can learn more on the city website.

If your dump-related needs are bigger than your car's capacity, you can have someone else do the heavy lifting for you. It will cost you a little more, but you can have a company like Independent Refuse come along to lend a hand. If it's acres o'stuff you need to eliminate, you might contact Junkluggers or 1-800-Got-Junk.

Happy Dumping!

Holiday Hair

Simona La Gatta at Pirri Hair Group in Greenwich (181 Greenwich Avenue) contacted me to ask if I’d be interested in sharing a few of her tips for what to do – and not to do – with your hair for the holidays. I’m always eager to learn about local businesses and they have a pretty groovy website, so it seemed like a fun idea to me. She suggests that you:

DON’T

- Let your head go frosty because you live in fear of the dreaded hat hair. Avoiding hair static is easy - just leave in a little conditioner instead of rinsing it all out in the shower.

- Over wash your colortreated hair. Skip at least a day between washings; two is even better. Over washing strips out color and is hard even on hair that is not processed.

- Get swept up in seasonal trends that you’ll regret later. Red and green highlights are never cute on January 2!

DO

- Consider trying some of the season's hottest hair colors -- warm tones, red tones, and natural-looking highlights that frame the face.

- Complement your skin color with natural looking highlights instead of brassy tones.

- Give your hair the holiday gift of an intensive conditioning treatment or glaze. It will repay you by being healthy and gorgeous.

Want more? There are some other good tips on the websites for Allure, Real Simple, Elle and More.

(photo from Foxtongue, flickr.com)

Fairwine

Today, Fairway Market opened up its companion Wine and Spirits Store (as aptly reported by my buddies at CTbites). The store, located at 689 Canal Street, is being spearheaded by Jed Simon who was kind enough to answer a few questions about the new local offering. I was pretty impressed with his unequivocal answer to Question 2. Good to know!

1. How will the store set itself apart from competitors like Bev Max and Stew Leonard's equivalent?

We have a focus on small artisanal producers as opposed to being dominated by mainstream brands. There are so many people in the world who make excellent wine these days. Widespread use of technology has allowed for more wine to be made, at cheaper prices, than ever before. We are all about finding the best value products for our customers. There is also a strong customer service element about our store. People come in and get greeted immediately. We have some incredible people here with deep wine backgrounds that will talk to you for as long as needed, regardless of the product and price point you are looking for.

2. How will prices compare to competitors?

No one will ever sell a product cheaper than us.

3. What sort of special products will we find at the Fairway store that we won't find elsewhere?

We want to have the largest selection of Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Whiskey in the area. All three of these products have incredible diversity to them and can justify a large selection. Pinot Noir especially has incredible typicity to it. We have almost 300 Pinot Noirs, from a dozen price countries. I feel especially good about our Pinot Noir at the $10 price point. Other varietals can make nice products at this price point, but Pinot can get really bad. Ours are delicious!!

[For the record, I had to turn to Wikipedia to figure out what "typicity" is...but I'm sure that's meaningful for palettes more refined than mine.]

4. Are there any promotional events consumers would want to know about?

Staring the day of the grand opening (December 15th) we will have at least one in store tasting every day throughout the month.

5. Jed, what is your background in wine and spirits? Do you offer any specialized knowledge?

I have taken the majority of my course work through the American Sommelier Association. I really like the individual who runs it(Andrew Bell). He has a great way of giving young wine enthusiast the confidence they need to pursue a career. That and the course load was enormous. I was studying wine for his classes 20-30 hours a week for almost 2 years. I also worked for the Four Seasons Hotel Company for several years and it really instilled excellent customer service skills. Both myself and Andrew(the other manager) have strong restaurant backgrounds. I love to help people out with food pairings. I use that a gauge when I go into other stores to see how much they care about the customer. When I visited all of the big stores in the area I would tell them I need a wine for dinner, I had one place recommend a wine without even asking what I was eating. Enough said. People who want genuine advice can come here and have a real conversation with someone.

6. What will the store look like inside - any interesting design features you think shoppers will be excited about?

One of the many things that set us apart from other brands are our incredible painters and graphics department. When we get this place up and going full steam, I'm hoping to see people starring at signs reading about Pinot Noir, Riesling, and the Scotch, then making an informed decision for what they are drinking that day.

Thanks to Jed Simon for taking the time to fill us in on the details!

(photo from green umbrella, flickr.com)

Dental Spa?

Quickly driving by the space that used to be Pizza Bistro 122 (or perhaps right next door) I got a quick glimpse of what looked like a sign saying "Stamford Dental Spa." Did anyone else see that? What's a dental spa? Do they massage your gums? Very interesting...

Meat and Greet

A few weeks ago, I went to Fairway Market with a very expensive cut of meat on my grocery list. The butcher told me that if he cut just the right way on the cheaper option, I'd never know the difference. He was absolutely right, and it was a delicious dinner at about half the price.

You can learn those tricks of the trade and more on Wednesday, December 15th at 11am. Join Ray Venezia, Fairway's Master Butcher, at the Fairway Café in their Stamford location (699 Canal Street) to learn some tips and tricks for a fantabulous holiday meal. Ray has been featured in the New York Times and is a regular on The Rachel Ray Show. He will be demonstrating:

- Carving a Leg of Lamb
- Carving Boneless Ham
- Recipe and Discussion on Crown Roast
- Recipe and Discussion on Rib Roast

(photo from TheBusyBrain, flickr.com)

Give Local Culture for Christmas

For the downright affordable price of $45, you can give the gift of a memorable evening and support one of our best local resources: The Stamford Symphony.

That price includes processing fees and is available between now and December 15th. You can take advantage of the offer by visiting their Holiday Sale website and clicking on the performance of your choice:

- January 29 and 30, 2011, Romantic Souls
- March 12 and 13, 2011, The Four Seasons
- April 9 and 10, 2011, Titanic Expressions
- May 7, 2011, The 5 Browns

I can attest, it's a fabulous date night. Tell 'em I sent you!

(photo from Horia Varlan, flickr.com)

Charitree

Deck your halls and do some good at the same time. The Exchange Club, a group devoted to promoting the interests of local youth, has its biggest fundraiser in the holiday season. They've joined forces with Westhill High School Marching Band, and the two groups are selling Christmas trees at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center a the Observatory Parking Lot (off Scofieldtown Road).

They offer all the greenery you need to spruce up your home: balsam trees, fir trees, wreaths, roping and stands. Stop by between now and December 22nd on:

- Sundays from 10am-7pm
- Mondays to Wednesdays from 3-7pm
- Thursdays from 3-9pm
- Fridays from noon-9pm
- Saturdays from 9-9pm

They are happy to trim, wrap and secure your tree for free!

(photo from SMN, flickr.com)

Hola Lola!

An astute reader just left the following comment:

Lolas opened this evening and I went in for dinner and the place is amazing. Best Mexican in Fairfield County.

It looked pretty swish when I peeked into the window at 135 Bedford Street, and I'm excited to see what they offer. Their website is not yet super helpful, but I reserve the rights to be stoked about this first piece of feedback and hopeful for some new local fabulousness.

Anybody else go yet? If so, let us know!

Curiously Free

It was one year ago that the Fernando Luis Alvarez Gallery opened its doors on Bedford Street. They are celebrating their milestone and they want you to come. Join them on Friday, December 17th for a giant party throwdown from 5-9pm.

The party does double duty as an anniversary gala and the opening night of a show they are calling The Curiously Free. It features the work of new and old in-house artists who have taken control of the space to put their art in just the right light.

Local restaurants are providing food and drink and there will be an award given to two members of the community who have been Agents of Change in the Arts.

Come raise a glass to the gallery and take a peek at their newest creative endeavor.

Season of Red and Green (With an Extra Dose of Green)

If you're already burnt out on Christmas commercialism, you can get a healthy dose of environmentalism. On Wednesday, December 8th from 5:30-8:30pm, you can join up for Green Drinks Greenwich. It's a meet and greet networking event to discuss environmental issues.

You can meet folks in our area interested in green initiatives, including Denise Savageau, the Director of Conservation for the Town of Greenwich. You can also meet Jane Condon, a comedian who was featured on Last Comic Standing. I don't know what her position on the environment is, but what's better than middle aged white ladies rapping?

There will be wine and refreshments and the fabulous food of Le Pain Quotiedien (and if you haven't been, it's a great excuse to give this new addition a try). There is also a raffle keeping with the environmental theme. You could win a recycled sailcloth bag from a Greenwich Avenue boutique. Besides, you might just learn a thing or two!

The suggested donation is $10. For more information, contact Jessica Brockington at birdy06830@gmail.com or by calling 347-647-0782.

(photo from slideshow bob, flickr.com)

Discuss with Stamford Plus

Wanna know more about me? Stamford Plus was kind enough to write a little sumpin sumpin about moi. There is a Q&A and a few pictures. They did a nice job and were a pleasure to work with. You can't see it online (or at least I haven't figured out how!) so pick up the paper copy and check it out.

I showed the magazine to some of my friends today, and I love my friends - mostly for their honesty. Here's a sampling of the response:

- Whoa!
- What is wrong with you?
- Stamford Plus - is that like for fat people or something?
- Cute!
- Why are there four seasons of you?
- What's up with the polar bear? (yup - there's sort of a polar bear)
- You look sexy - you're going to get a stalker now (yikes)
- You look ridiculous
- Is your husband really tall or are you really short? (it's both)
- Your husband is adorable! (hands off, lady!)

Anyhoo...the whole thing made me smile. Thanks Stamford Plus (which, for the record, is for people of all sizes). Pick up a copy and feel free to leave your own two cents about it.

Hooray for Ballet

If you'd like to add some Demi Detourné to your December, you can see the Connecticut Ballet perform The Nutcracker at the Palace Theater. The show is on Saturday, December 11th at 2pm and again at 7pm as well as Sunday, December 12th at 1pm and again at 4pm.

The show hosts a dance cast of 70 professionals, adorable kids and two stars from the American Ballet Theatre: Julie Kent and Jose Manuel Carreno. Tickets prices are $25, $35 or $50 with an additional $7 fee, and you can purchase them here.

If you'd prefer to see your ballerinas a little batty, very soon you'll be able to see the newly released movie, Black Swan. It's opened to rave reviews and tells the story of the technically proficient New York City ballet dancer Nina (Natalie Portman) whose director is casting for the top spot in Swan Lake. The role requires both the sweetness and light of the White Swan and the dark sexy melodrama of the Black Swan. Although Nina has the White Swan role all sewn up, she faces a real threat from the duplicitous new dancer Lily (Mila Kunis) who is the perfect picture of the Black Swan. The two dancers become "frenemies" and Nina starts to go a little bonkers.

The director of the movie (Darren Aronofsky) left me mesmerized and reeling after his Requiem for a Dream, so I'm sure Black Swan will do the same. It just opened in major markets like NYC and will open in our area soon: enter your zip code into the Fox Searchlight site to find out more. You can see the trailer here.

(photo from jorgemejia, flickr.com)

Really?

First of all, let me say that Quattro Pazzi is amazing. The food and the service are fantastic, and I have nothing bad to say about this new top drawer addition to our area.

However, be sure you don't sit next to the table I sat next to this evening. Here's a little sampling of our not-so-neighborly encounter:

Giant table of men: "Gafaw gafaw gafaw, that Leslie is alright. She sure makes a man feel good, if you know what I'm saying. Cackle cackle cackle"

Me and my friend: Polite pretend-we-can't-hear-you conversation.

Giant table of men: "Remember that time when I slept with my wife's sister. Oh man! Gafaw gafaw gafaw"

Me and my friend: Polite conversation interrupted by dramatic eye rolling

Giant table of men: "LOUD LOUD *sexual reference* LOUD LOUD LOUD"

Me: "I'm sorry, I can still hear myself think. Could you guys be a little louder?"

Giant table of men: "I think these girls need to be relocated. *sexual reference, sexual reference, fart joke, sexual reference*"

Me: "It's not my fault that your mother never taught you any manners" (ok, perhaps not all that mature, but still...)

Giant table of men: "Did you have to bring my mother into this?" *soft weeping*

Ok, maybe not soft weeping - but really? You can't let other people around you have a decent conversation? Is it too much to ask? These guys were well into their 40s. It's time to grow the %^&*! up, boys! How's about the locker room chat stay in the locker room. And if we're bringing it to the dinner table, let's have the decency to use our inside voices.

At the end of the evening, everyone made nice and said "Happy Holidays," but I sure would have appreciated a little apparently-not-as-common-as-it-should-be common courtesy.

See Dare Us

SantaLand Diaries, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and When You Are Engulfed in Flames. If these mean anything to you, you'll be happy to know that David Sedaris will be appearing at the Stamford Center for the Arts at 7:30pm on Friday, April 1st. He will be reading select portions of his books and host a Q&A afterward.

Tickets are only available through WSHU Public Radio for now (although their website wasn't crazy helpful so you may want to give them a call instead at 203-365-0425 or 203-365-6604). Tickets run from $42-57, and sale for the general public opens up on January 1st.

CTbites Always Delights

One of my favorite CT blogs, CTbites, is hosting their very own fabulous shindig THIS TUESDAY. I'm planning to attend, and I hope you do too!

Party at the Library!

The economy still stinks, everything costs a jillion dollars and the holiday season is vacuuming out your pockets, so 'tis the season to think about entertaining yourself gratis. The Ferguson Library (Bedford and Broad) has some pretty fabulous things that just may fit the bill. For example:

- On Tuesday, December 7th at 6:30pm, you can attend the Road to Recovery. It's an informational session on how to invest in this crazy market. You'll get expert tips and an opportunity to speak to those in the know. Head up to the 3rd floor to join in or call 203.351.8221 for more info.

- On Sunday, December 12th at 2pm, meet Nadia Kalman, the author of The Cosmopolitans. It's a comic novel set in our backyard chronicling the life of a Russian family making a home in suburban CT. Ms. Kalman attended Yale, Columbia and (most interestingly of all) Stamford High School. She'll be signing and selling this, her debut novel. For more info, call 203.351.8228.

- On Saturday, December 18th at 2pm, learn about Classic Cocktails from Jonathan Pogash, the "Cocktail Guru." You'll take away a history lesson, practical tips and seasonal samples. For more info, call 203.351.8239.

- Tuesday nights (November 30th and December 28th are the next dates) there are book groups leading discussions about contemporary authors. The group is moderated by Westhill High School English teacher Patricia Brown. The event is underway at 7pm and books include "Day After Night" (Nov 30th) and "Juliet, Naked" (Dec 28).

(photo from Shandi-lee, flickr.com)

Gobble and Go

A little too much thanks in your belly this season? Run it off at the Pequot Runners Thanksgiving Day 5 Mile Race and 2.7 Mile Fitness Walk. It's not too late to sign up for the event which is underway at 8:15am this Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. The route begins about 20 minutes up the road at the Pequot Library (720 Pequot Avenue, Southport, CT). You can see the walkers' course and the runners' course at the Pequot Runners website.

You can register online until November 24th at 3pm. Adult registration is $24; registration for age 7-17 is $19. It's mostly a fun run, but there are modest cash prizes ($300, $150 and $100), trophies and special T-shirts for the fastest folks. There will also be a post-race raffle, refreshments and T-shirts for the first 4,000 people to register.

Learn more on the site and happy running!

Jolly Ol' St. Kick

If I was 6 years old, I'm not sure I could think of anything cooler than Santa and Rudolph dangling from a skyscraper 22 stories in the air. Is it bad that I am a LOT older and not much has changed?

The usual Christmas suspects will be up to their death defying tricks on Sunday, December 5th at 4:30pm for Heights and Lights. The event kicks off at the Landmark Building and features singing, fireworks and an elf in Yankee pinstripes! You can go from the event to Latham Park where Broadway Star Dan Micciche will preside over the tree lighting ceremony.

To help get you into the spirit of the season, the stores on Bedford Street will be putting on their holiday best in conjunction with local florists and nurseries. You can vote for your favorite at the Stamford Downtown site.

For more information, call 203.348.5285 or visit the SDSSD website (linked above).

(photo from Ana_Fuji, flickr.com)

Present Tense

Ok, ok - Santa has made his way down Bedford Street, so I suppose I am done thinking that the holidays are far away. They're not! Yes there are fabulous things ahead as the season draws near, but there is also the annual "what the %^&*$ am I buying for everyone" freakout. If you've started down that road, perhaps this will help:

- The Stamford Town Center is opening at 8am for Black Friday, November 26th (some stores earlier!).

- On both Saturday, December 4 (10am-7pm) and Sunday, December 5 (11am-4pm), Greenwich Avenue hosts the Greenwich Holiday Stroll Weekend 2010. Performers, musicians and carolers will be on hand and select retailers will offer holiday treats. Read more on the Greenwich Blog.

- If you're looking for something a little craftier, visit Lakeside Pottery (543 Newfield Avenue) on Sunday, December 5 from noon-5pm. They are cleaning out their closet and selling pottery for $10, $15 and $25. Pieces available include vases, bowls, boxes, pitchers and platters. For more information, call 203-323-2222.

- If you'd like to give a gift with a crystal clear conscience, go to the Fair Trade Gift Bazaar on Sunday, December 5 at Bedford Middle School (88 North Avenue in Westport). There will be bagels and coffee at 9:30am followed by the bazaar and a lecture on fair trade starting at 10 am. Products for sale include jewelry, bags, clothing, scarves and coffee. Be sure to bring small bills or checks because they won't take credit cards or make change for $20.

(photo from shimelle, flickr.com)

Support the Library!

Stamford on the Cheap, who is clearly a better person than I am, is doing a very good deed! For each comment you leave on today's post, she will donate $5 to the Ferguson Library. You can comment up until November 30th. Visit her site and help support one of our best community resources.

(photo from Horia Varlan, flickr.com)

Happy Movember, Fuzzy Faces!

Have you caught the mo-madness? November this go 'round is MOvember, a month in which men are growing mustaches to raise awareness and moola to fight prostate cancer. I know a few Mo Joes, and it's a great cause with some amazing supporters.

Butterfield8 (112 Bedford Street) is celebrating Movember with its BU8 Movember Party -- The Great Mustashio Bashio. Join them this Friday, Movember 19th from 6-8pm. There's a $30 open bar with the proceeds supporting the anti-cancer effort. Then from 10pm to closing time, you can enjoy a drink on the house if you BYO mustache!

(photo from Orange_Beard, flickr.com)

Downtown Chaos

Driving around downtown today, a huge portion of East Main was closed off by police blockade. It wasn't clear to me what was the problem until I got home, but apparently it was an angry, angry truck driver. NBC reports that the driver had gotten into a fight with his girlfriend, then proceeded to take it out behind the wheel on 12 cars and a school bus full of teenagers! Yikes!!! The Greenwich Citizen says that two people are in critical condition. The Stamford Advocate has additional coverage of the event.

Ain't No Mountain Local Enough

Perhaps you've heard of a young lady by the name o' Diana Ross. The most extreme Supreme will be appearing at the Stamford Center for the Arts on March 18, 2011. It's part of her tour called "More Today Than Yesterday." More what, you ask? You'll never know unless you see the show.

There are two ways to do that:
(1) VIP
(2) REG

Regular tickets go on sale this Friday at 11am, and they run from $85-158. VIP tickets give you admission to prime seats, a cocktail party and a dessert event following the show, but of course that comes at a premium price of $300. VIP tickets are available now by calling 203-517-3426 or emailing lcolangelo@scalive.org.

Want to test your Ross-related knowledge? Which one of these is false:
- She was nominated for an Academy Award
- She won a Tony
- She won a Golden Globe
- She has won 8 American Music Awards
- She was a recipient of The Kennedy Center Honors
- She has sold more than 100 million records
- She has recorded 19 no. 1 hits
- She invented Post-it Notes

It's the last one (although I also would accept the second to last one because it's a mere 18 no. 1 hits).

French Quench

If you're a good chef (or just want to be), you might be inspired by Dorie Greenspan. She is the talent behind the book Around My French Table: More Than 300 Recipes From My Home to Yours (number 14 on the New York Times bestseller list), and she's appearing just up the road.

You can meet her - and sample some of her fare - at the Darien Library on November 18th at 7pm. You can hear her say a few words about her book and get an autograph too. The folks behind Barrett Bookstore are making the event possible.

(photo from BinaryApe, flickr.com)

On Ramp

The Rockin' Appalachian Mom Project (RAMP) is a charitable organization devoted to helping impoverished families in the Appalachian Mountains. They help support that community's nutritional needs and help them create their own streams of income.

You can help too by supporting RAMP Evening of Food, Wine, Bourbon & Charity on Saturday, November 13th at 7:30pm. The event will be held in conjunction with Whole Foods Market at Nelson Macker Fine Art, 168-A Irving Ave. 3rd Floor in Port Chester NY. It features a live auction, a silent auction and MC Bill Evans from WABC-TV. Tickets are $125, and you can learn more and RSVP by visiting the event website.

Some of the fantastic array of auction items include:
- The rare Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon
- Domaine Romanee Conti - Richebourg, La Tache, St. Vivant, Grands Eche, St. Vivant Pinot Noir and Echezeaux
- Chateau Ausone
- Harlan Estate "The Maiden" Cabernet Sauvignon
- Big Green Pizza Truck Party (for 50)
- Wine Spectator Package with tickets to the Grand Tasting at the New York Wine Experience
- Cigar Aficionado Package
- Behind the Scenes Tour at NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams
- ABC Tour with Bill Evans
- Concierge Pediatrician
- Diamond Pave Huggies with 20cts of Celane Sapphires - 18k Multi Sapphire Drops
- The Ultimate Closet
- Assorted Case of Specialty Wines
- Free Home Staging
- Men's Custom Made Shirt
- Winfield's Design or Jewelry Brokerage Services
- One of a Kind Necklace - Tabetin Tribal Beads with rosewood, chalcedony and pearl accents set in sterling silver

You can also support the cause even if you can't attend the event by clicking here.

(photo from Jagger, flickr.com)

Sweet Gingerbread Spread

We're regulars, and will be back again this year to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center's Visions of Gingerbread: The Sweetest Architects. Who doesn't love the combination of fun, food and shelter? The event is already underway, and runs until December 5th. You can visit the whole delicious neighborhood at the Bendel Mansion Museum Galleries on the Center's grounds.

The delectable designs are the product of local chefs, including:
- DiMare’s Pastry Shop of Stamford
- SoNo Baking Company of South Norwalk
- Cake Suite of Westport
- Sugar & Olives of Norwalk

If you need more play with your pastry, you can also enjoy the Dolls, Toys & Teddy Bears exhibit, which runs from now until January 9th. You'll see vintage dolls, teddy bears and all sorts of antique toys. The items on display date from the end of the 1800s to the 1950s, but they'll get you into the modern holiday spirit.

(photo from Jeff Kubina, flickr.com)

New and Notable Restaurants

A little while ago, my husband went to the The Beer Exchange event, and he was nice enough to take note of a few new restaurant that you may want to check out:

- Most excitingly, the artist formerly known as Bennett's Steakhouse is undergoing a magical transformation into Bar Rosso. As you might know, the smart palettes behind Napa & Co. bought out the location and have big plans for its next incarnation. Their promotional materials are modern and sleek with images of truffles, pasta, meats, cheeses and wine. Their website says they will be opening in December 2010, and signals the arrival of a tapas, housemade Italian staples, and 250 wine labels. If you want to be part of the new addition, you click through on the site to learn about employment opportunities.

- Another place that's only a few months old that you may want to explore is Zayna's Metro Cafe. Their website is not yet up and running (but will be at www.zaynasmetrocafe.com), but Yelp includes one rave review. My husband and the Yelp reviewer both describe the owners as very nice brothers. Their menu includes paninis, soups, salads and wraps, and it's conveniently located at 80 Atlantic Street across from The Palace Theatre.

- Looking for local Cuban food? Try Habana Cuban Restaurant at 245 Hope Street. You can learn more about them on their Idine website here. Their menu features enrollados (rolled tortilla sandwiches) and entrees like Cha Cha Chicken ("roasted and served with corn, garlic lime mojo, with spinach and papas fritas") and Plaintain Crusted Chilean Sea Bass ("with moro rice, fried bananas and a mango wine sauce"). You can even get their "Fidel's Capitalist Pig Roast," a suckling pig that feeds at least 10 people and requires 72 hours advance notice to cook!

- I'm still weepy over Duo's departure from the sushi scene, but my husband had good things to say about Matsuri Japanese Fusion (there seems to be something wrong with their website right now, but you can read about them on this link to the Darien Patch). Up the road just a bit (390 Post Rd, Darien), they offer a mean spicy roll and live jazz every Monday night. Nice!

(photo from epSos.de, flickr.com)

Parade in the Shade

Happy children, dancing majorettes and giant cartoon friends - all symptoms of the UBS Parade Spectacular! Yup, its 17th year is just around the corner, and it wouldn't be the same without you (and 200,000 of your closest friends!). The parade gets underway on November 21 at noon. It features Stamford's own John Starks of New York Knicks fame as the Grand Marshal, David Letterman Show's Alan Kalter as the Master of Ceremonies and 18 enormous helium balloons - including:

- Fred Flinstone (who is brand spanking new)
- Scooby-Doo (also fresh out the box)
- Bob the Builder
- Elmo
- Super Grover
- Big Bird
- The Cat in the Hat
- Mr. Potato Head
- Odie
- Oscar the Grouch
- Kermit the Frog

Some eye catching floats this year include:

- A Flying Pirates float with a live aerial performance
- A Wells Fargo Stagecoach
- Stamford Town Center’s Marvel Superheroes float

There will also be great bands from near and far.

You can also take an early look at the balloons at the inflation party on Saturday, November 20 from 3–6pm on Hoyt Street at the intersection of Summer Street. There will be live music, aerial performers and costumed characters.

For more information, visit the SDSSD website or call 203.348.5285.

(photo from chris.ptacek, flickr.com)

Barrage of Collage

Took this shot just a little while ago in front of the Fernando Luis Alvarez Gallery (96 Bedford Street).

You can see samples of Rex Prescott Walden's work here. He seems work largely in the medium of collage with elements like rulers, maps and advertising imagery. Should be an interesting show!

Blues Crews

If you're going to sing the blues, it's hard to think of a cooler name than Joe Bonamassa. On November 12th at 8pm, he's the renowned singer, songwriter and guitar wielding badass you can see at the Palace Theatre.

His album, Black Rock, was released in March of this year and debuted at the tip top spot of Billboard's Blues Albums Chart and at #38 on the Top 200. The album includes songs by artists like Leonard Cohen and Willie Nelson, and features a duet with B.B. King. It's a collaboration with Kevin Shirley, a producer who has worked with some names you might know: Led Zeppelin, Black Crowes, Rush, Bon Jovi, Journey, Metallica and Aerosmith.

Bonamassa has won more awards than I could lift, and if that's not enough to convince you of his awesomeness, check out this clip below:



You can get your tickets, priced from $37 to $67, by visiting the SCA website, by calling 203.325.4466 or by visiting the Palace Theatre box office.

You've Got Nails - New Management?

My friend TL and I are regulars at You've Got Nails, so I was surprised to see the windows covered in brown butcher paper with a sign indicating that it was to be reopened under new management. We had grown very fond of Richard, the management we knew, and his wife and adorable children. I wish them and their staff the very best, whether or not they remain with the company. They are good people who were always kind to me and my friends.

Show House - LAST DAY TODAY

Don't forget to check out the Show House. Today is your last shot! It's an interesting display of design work from your backyard. I went with my friend TK yesterday, and a few highlights include:

- My favorite, the guest area on the very top floor, painted a dark blue with a smart mix of modern and traditional elements. It has a dark gray flannel chair with Eames era lines flanked by both industrial and Chinese vintage lighting. There is a textured white couch that pops against the dark walls and beautiful oversized contemporary light fixture. The mind behind the room is Greg Lanza Design.

- There's a little girl's room that reminded me of the charms of being three feet tall. With a color wash of greens and blues, it's soothing, sweet and sophisticated. The designer, Bartony (bartony7@aol.com), has a charming Texas accent and an equally charming rerelease of old fashioned wallpaper featuring sparrows overhead and lovely white birds tending their young. There are Victorian shoes poking out from under tables. It's a youthful fairy tale with a Beatrix Potter sensibility.

- The home's potting shed is not to be missed. With a wall of lush green plants and a trompe l'oeil battered board mat underfoot, it's a green thumb's dream getaway. There is a chair with grasses growing out of the seat and a pretty little greenhouse behind. Brought to you by Robin Horton of Urban Gardens, the space is mossy and elegant.

Take a look yourself before it's too late.

(photo from piddy77, flickr.com)

Raising Some Halloween Hell Tonight!

For those of you looking for a little scary and perhaps alcohol induced fun this evening, you have some options! For example:

- Hula Hanks (261 Main St.) is hosting Hulaween!! tonight from 8pm until you're good and partied out. They will feature drink specials, giveaways and a contest for the best Halloween costume. Costume categories are Scariest, Sexiest and Most Original. Put on your chicken suit and raise a glass with them.

- BUtterfield 8 (112 Bedford St) is getting into the festivities too with their 2nd Annual Heaven & Hell Halloween Party tonight. They are offering prizes and giveaways from 9pm until they toss your costumed butt out. Call ahead (203.504.8123) to see if their earlier weekly Saturday Treehouse Comedy Night has some spots open for you.

- Your friendly neighborhood G/R/A/N/D is throwing a Halloween Costume Ball. If you don't go, you must hate fun.

From Tags to Riches

Looking to snag some swag for a small price tag? Join the Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk for their fundraising tag sale.

It takes place on November 7th from 10am to 4pm. You'll find clothes, shoes, accessories, books, toys, sporting goods, small electronics, household goods and then some!

You can find the big event at the JLS-N's headquarters, located at 748 Post Rd. in Darien. There is an Early Bird Special from 9am-10am (if you pay a lil' extra: $10).

(photo from feeliz, flickr.com)

Show me the House

Don't forget about the Stamford Museum & Nature Center's fantabulous Show House, on until the end of October. I am planning to go this weekend, and I am really looking forward to it. It looks gorgeous! My dear friend TL went this past weekend and gave it rave reviews (she might even write it up!). They were kind enough to send me tickets, but I was busy accidentally carving my finger instead of a pumpkin (oops!) and traveling to Texas for work (yee haw!). You can learn more about it by visiting the Nature Center's website. I blogged about it previously here. Hope to see you there this weekend!

Fairwoooo!

What says scary Halloween goodness more than giant giant wrestlers? Nothin! Treat your kids to some muscle-bound fun with the WWE and Fairway Market at the Stamford Boys & Girls Club (347 Stillwater Ave).

On Friday, October 29th at 6pm, the WWE superstars known as The Hart Dynasty - David Hart Smith, Tyson Kid and Diva Natalya - will be on hand for games, kids crafts and autographs. Ticket prices are $10, which includes food, fun and autographs for the fans.

Donations benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford. Event planners warn that the wrestlers appearing at the event may change, but the odds that they could kick your butt will not. For more info, see the Fairway website.

(photo from Ed Yourdon, flickr.com)

Limited Edition Human Condition

Want to impress your date with a "by-appointment-only" day of high brow goodness? Take that lucky lady or gent to see Donald Axleroad's exhibit "Myth, Reality and The Human Condition" on display now at the Sackler Gallery at The Palace Theatre.

The work reveals connections between the mythology of old and the challenges of the modern day world. The artist's website reveals images that are stark, sad and striking. He uses the raw edges of woodcuts against a vivid mod color pallet to illustrate isolation and struggle. Examples of his work include The Loneliness of Alzheimer's, Cerberus and The Minotaur.

It's yours to explore from now until January 10, 2011, but only by appointment. Call 203-517-3425 to check "culture" off your list.

(photo provided by The Palace Theatre)

Trick or Treat on the Farm

Heckscher Farm at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center is hosting some Halloween fun on the big day itself (Oct 31) from 1-3pm. If you take a map, you can find treats on site at the trick-or-treat stations.

There's also an "Ick-Fest" and a slime table plus crafts around the creepy critters that help make Halloween spooky. For more information, check out the website.

(photo from peasap, flickr.com)

Fairway Opening November 3rd!

The Fairway folks wrote me today to say they are opening their doors in our backyard on Wednesday, November 3rd.

I really think Fairway will give its competitors a run for their money. We shall see! For more information, check out the Fairway website.

Like Finding A Beatle in a Haystack

Looking for a little Liverpool? Check out BEATexpo 2010 on the weekend of November 27-28th at the Holiday Inn (700 E. Main St). It's a local version of Beatlemania featuring Beatle buddies, tribute bands "The MerseyBeat" and "One Sweet Dream," memorabilia, rare videos, unique exhibits and lots-o-other goodies. There will also be a premier of a new Beatle movie called "Let Him Be."

Tickets are $15.75 when you purchase in advance on the BEATexpo website and $20 at the door.

If you are more Beatle savvy than me, I'm sure you (unlike me) will know the significance of some of the special guests, who include:
- Denny Laine
- Tommy Roe
- Beatles recording engineer Richard Langham
- Guitarist Carlos Alomar
- 60's Liverpool singer & Beatles-friend Julie Grant
- Bassist Gary Van Scyoc from Elephants Memory
- Hullabaloo's Lada Edmund
- Jimi Hendrix percussionist Juma Sultan
- Sid Bernstein
- Lennon engineer Dennis Ferrante
- Artist Shannon
- Singers Ian Lloyd of The Stories with John Ford of The Strawbs
- Author Jude Kessler
- Author David Bedford
- Author Kevin Roach
- Author Judith Furedi

For more information, contact LiverpoolTours@aol.com, call (203) 795-4737 or visit the event website.

(photo from swerdroid, flickr.com)

How Sweet Is This?

Two friends mentioned this to me today and the Stamford Advocate has it covered. The artist formerly known as the Clairol building on Blachley Road (Exit 9) is going to be magically transformed into Chelsea Piers Connecticut! It will be a sports complex a heck of a lot like the Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. The Advocate reports that the venue will feature activities like basketball, ice hockey and swimming. Take a look at the article and the Chelsea Piers website for more information.

Scarecrow and Tell

A fun event for the kiddies popped up on the Stamford Plus website. It's a little bit of a hike to get there, but if you work your way up to Old Lyme's Florence Griswold Museum, you can see Scarecrows at the Museum: A Harvestime Adventure.

The event runs for all of October and features over 30 artists who have helped make the museum's eleven acres into a masterpiece of scarecrows modeled after famous artists and paintings. Inspiration includes Van Gogh, Picasso and Dali. There are also costumes for kids to try on and a newly planted small field of Indian corn to set the autumn stage. For more information, see the museum's website.

To get to the museum, head to 96 Lyme Street in Old Lyme CT. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday noon-5pm. Admission will run you $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, $12 for students and $5 for members. Kids age 12 and under are admitted for free.

(photo from m-louis, flickr.com)

I *Heart* Chili

On Saturday, October 23 from 12-3pm, all your chili-related dreams can come true at the 3rd Annual Stamford Charity Chili Cook-off! Another great event (if I do say so myself) to benefit the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County.

No high falutin' cocktails at this event, though. It features a true down and dirty chili battle! Seven pros versus seven amateurs will face off to see whose chili packs just the right punch. The pros include Lucky's Classic Hamburger, Black Bear/Hula Hanks and Smokey Joes's BBQ, among others. Tickets are available at the door and will run you a perfectly palatable $10. If you bring a bag of food to donate, you can get in door for a mere $5!

Guests receive a spoon and a voting card to pick the winner. The winner of the cook-off gets crazy bragging rights and a shiny new trophy. The top amateur also one hundred dollars in cash.

Last year the event drew 200 people and brought in 550 pounds of food, and they are aiming even higher this year. You can join them at The Unitarian Universalist Society (20 Forest Street). For more information, visit the Unitarian Universalist Society website.

(photo from 96dpi, flickr.com)

I Dream of Gene

You may well have read about it already on the Stamford on the Cheap blog, but to be sure you got the messgage, Gene Wilder is A'ing your Qs this Tuesday night, October 12th.

He will be coming out to the Avon to visit you and your neighbors for the 40th Anniversary Screening of "Start the Revolution Without Me." His lovely bride, Karen Wilder, will moderate. The evening start at 6:30pm with a reception and the film starts rolling at 7:30pm. Tickets are:

- Free for Carte Blanche members
- $20 for Members and Educators
- $35 for Nonmembers

The Avon's website describes the film as follows (with attribution to Marshall Fine):

Gene Wilder and Donald Sutherland play two sets of identical twins who are mismatched at birth shortly before the French Revolution. One pair is reared as royalty; the other is raised as the children of peasants. The plot in this film by Bud Yorkin is a wonderful mishmash of Dumas, Victor Hugo, and Molière, with the peasant brothers joining the revolutionaries while their bizarrely foppish siblings eat cake and ignore the events around them. Wilder and Sutherland are joined by a who's who of British comedy stars, including Billie Whitelaw, Hugh Griffith, Victor Spinetti, and a cameo by Orson Welles – this film became a cult item among college students of the period.

For tickets, call the administrative office during daytime business hours at 203-661-0321 or call the Box Office during movie times at 203-967-3660 x2.

Strike 3 Foundation

Apologies that I've been blog-less for a few days, citizens. I wrestled it to the ground and pinned it down, but somehow this week got away from me.

At a lovely wedding I attended this weekend, I learned about an important charitable event to be held on November 13th. It's the Third Annual First Pitch Celebrity Gala. The event is hosted by the Strike 3 Foundation, started by Oakland Athletics' Craig Breslow to honor his sister who fought and overcame pediatric cancer. That sister also happens to be a dear friend to me and my husband.

The event is underway at the Hilton Hotel in Stamford at 6:30pm. It features celebrities from the sports world, live entertainment and both live and silent auctions. The event will be hosted by Bobby Valentine and Karl Ravech. Celebrity guests from the sports world (subject to change) include:

- Andrew Bailey
- Jack Cust
- Rajai Davis
- Vin Mazzaro
- Kevin Slowey
- WWE Superstars
- Boston Red Sox radio announcer Joe Castiglione
- (and of course) Craig Breslow

For tickets, visit the event site linked above. It's a pricey affair at $205 per person (for now, there is a minimum purchase of two tickets), but it's an important fundraiser designed to give very sick children a second chance at life.
(photo from kevindooley, flickr.com)

Are you done fighting cancer? Nope!

Join BUtterfield8 (112 Bedford) in showing cancer the door. On Friday, October 22 from 10-11pm, the restaurant will be profiling DJ's Louie Mancini and The Artchitect Davey B on the turntables. Apparently, it's 2 DJs on 4 turntables - don't try that at home. There's also a 2-for-1 bottle special. All event proceeds benefit breast cancer research. Call Talia for details at 203.504.8123.

Want to Work at BUtterfield8?

They are hiring servers and hosts/hostesses! Learn more on their Facebook page and by visiting their website. You can also call Talia at 203-504-8123 for more information.

Support for Sport

My dear friend CM told me about an event that she's excited to support: Sports Night. It's a high tone evening of high energy sports that benefits the Fairfield County Sports Commission. The Commission is devoted to fitness and nutrition education for children in the area.

Their Sports Night event gets underway on Monday, October 18th at 6pm at the Hyatt Regency (1800 East Putnam Avenue) in Old Greenwich. It features dinner and recognition for the sportspersons of the year. Tickets are $125. For more information, call 203-251-8481 or email tomc@fairfieldcountysports.com.

(photo from laffy4k, flickr.com)

Financial Crisis Up Close

Author James Kwak who blogs at The Baseline Scenario and co-wrote 13 Bankers: The Wall Street Takeover and the Next Financial Meltdown is headed our way.

On Thursday, October 7th at 5:30pm, he will be speaking about the financial crisis at the Stamford Marriott. His focus will be whether new regulatory efforts will lead to meaningful change. Mr. Kwak's speech will be followed by an open forum and Q&A session with:

- Jon Lukomnik, World Bank Consultant
- Todd Peters, Chairman NS Capital Investment Committee
- John Wolfe, Managing Director Wolfehaus LLC
- Mark Ahern, Managing Director Seix Advisors LLC

The event is brought to you by NS Capital and costs you the meltdown-friendly price of zero dollars. To register to attend, call 866.913.8414 or visit www.nscapitalsymposium.com.

(photo from kevindooley, flickr.com)

Cans and Cocktails RESULTS

I just heard from Chinese Mirch, and between the 10% of sales donation and the cocktail sales, we raised about $1000 for the food bank. On top of that, donations from you all, dear citizens, brought in another $400. Fairway Market donated $500 worth of food and you all donated approximately $250 worth of food as well. That brings us to a grand total of just about $2150. Not too shabby!

We also donated most of the remaining postcards, and the food bank assures me they will be able to sell those and make even more money.

Thank you, citizens, for helping make it happen! Hope to do it again next year.

Salon Says So Long to Cancer

If you've noticed NFL players in hot pink cleats, you'll know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Locally, you can do your part by joining Shear Genius Salon in Norwalk on October 22nd from 9am-4pm for their second annual fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society.

This event is particularly significant to me because a friend and colleague is now contending with this terrible problem. Sadly, it sounds like salon owner, Brooke Gerber, has friends fighting breast cancer as well. She wanted to do good for women while helping them look their best. In support of that mission, the salon will offer special services during the event, including a deep conditioning treatment and blow out for a $20 donation and nail polishing for at $10 donation. There's no appointment required for the special services. There will also be a raffle for prizes, such as a family portrait sitting (worth $750).

What's really remarkable about this event is that the Yale New Haven Hospital Mammography Van will be on the premises offering FREE mammograms for women age 40 and older - with or without insurance - from 9am-2pm. You must make an appointment for the mammogram, and you can learn more by contacting the salon at 203-846-1200.

(photo from pfala, flickr.com)

Canned Goods Drop Off

Dropping off the last of the canned goods from Cans and Cocktails!

Cans and Cocktails RECAP

What a great event! Thanks so much for coming out to make it a big success. We ate, we drank, we did a lot of good. Here are some of the highlights:

- Kate Lombardo of the Lower Fairfield County Food Bank said a few words about hunger in our community and was clearly thrilled with the support for her important organization.

- Every person at Chinese Mirch did an incredible job making the guests feel welcome. Owner Sienam Lulla ran a tight ship with a big smile and made sure everything worked like a charm. She and her staff just blew me away with their positive attitude and unending courtesy.

- Fairway Market donated $500 worth of food, including basically everything on the food bank's wish list. It was a tremendous and thoughtful contribution by a company that is about to be our newest neighbor.

- Guests took home collections of original, creative and amazing artwork postcards from We Can't Stop. All the impressive graphic work was his accomplishment, including the stylish cocktail menu and the sleek signs on the entry table.

- We tasted nine fabulous cocktails sponsored by nine local bloggers (including moi!) and $6 of every $10 cocktail goes right to the food bank. The hard working and articulate bloggers behind all of the following wrote about and devoted their time to support the food bank: Always Home and Uncool, Blog Stamford, CT Bites, PeculiarBliss, Stamford Talk, Streets of Stamford, The Lunch Break Chronicles and (of course) We Can't Stop. I was honored that the ladies behind some other fabulous blogs, Stamford Downtown Events, Stamford on the Cheap and Urban Gardens (just to name a few), came to support the food bank as well. Amazing to meet them and so many other phenomenal members of our community!

Because Chinese Mirch generously agreed to contribute funds from their restaurant sales through tonight, it's too early to say how much money we raised for the food bank, but I can't wait to tell you. Will do so ASAP!

I could not have asked for a better evening, and I'm so thankful to everyone who helped make it unforgettable.

Cans and Cocktails TODAY

The big event kicks off in a mere TWO HOURS!! Come to Chinese Mirch, order a fabulous cocktail and help out your local food bank. See below for more details. Look for me there and please say hello! I'll be the short girl in the green dress with a big smile.

Cans and Cocktails TOMORROW!

I'm ridiculously excited about the charity happy hour event I'm co-sponsoring TOMORROW. You can see the invitation right here. We've gotten a great response to the event, and I'm thrilled so many people are interested in supporting the worthiest cause around (in my humble opinion): The Lower Fairfield County Food Bank.

We have a great cocktail menu in store featuring nine cocktails sponsored by nine different local blogs:
- We Can’t Stop
- Always Home and Uncool
- Blog Stamford
- CT Bites
- PeculiarBliss
- Stamford Talk
- Streets of Stamford
- The Lunch Break Chronicles
- Stamford Notes

Each one you buy makes a big fat contribution to the food bank. In addition, we have some great Stamford souvenirs designed especially for this event by We Can't Stop. We get underway at 5:30 on Wednesday at Chinese Mirch (35 Atlantic Street) and will stay until they kick us out!

If you'd like to join us, please RSVP by emailing me at stamfordnotes@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

Fall Fisticuffs

The genius behind the Boardroom Brawl, Ahmad Mickens, is presenting another boxing bonanza. In keeping with the season, the event is called Fall Fisticuffs. It's underway on October 9th at 7pm.

A little more cozy this year, it will take place at Revolution Fitness at 860 Canal Street. There will be only 100 tickets, so get 'em while the gettin's good. The event features the club's youth boxing program in five select bouts, and your $100 ticket supports the group's continued success. To RSVP, contact Ahmad_Mickens@yahoo.com. You can pre-order tickets or buy them at Revolution Fitness' front desk.

(photo from ganessas, flickr.com)

Best Art Ever

One of my favorite people, TL, and dropped in on the the Arts and Crafts Festival on Bedford today. Sunshine and goodness from one side to the other, but there was a standout that made me smile.

Greg Stones is a Rhode Island based artist who has a profound knowledge of the inner life of penguins and zombies. His work is clean and understated, but completely off the wall. It's tough to accomplish all those adjectives, but he makes it look effortless. Check out his creative take on animals and monsters. He's also posted a YouTube video of his excellent book called Zombies Hate Stuff. For my two cents, it looks even better in person, so pop by his booth at the festival while he's still in town.

On Saturday, Drugs Stay Away

Saturday, September 25 from 10am to 2pm your friendly neighborhood the Drug Enforcement Agency is hosting a National Take-Back Day. It's a chance to clean out the medicine cabinet and throw out expired and unwanted meds.

The reason for the special day? To fight the subtle but important problem of kids taking potentially hazardous or addictive medications. Because they are easy to obtain and free for the taking, the drugs that remain are a dangerous temptation. The police department has indicated that prescription drug abuse in Connecticut kills more people under the age of 34 than car crashes.

In Stamford, you can toss those troublesome drugs at the Stamford Police Department on Bedford Street. Just drive on up and toss it out - no need to provide information at all.

For more information, contact the Stamford Police Captain Conklin in Narcotics Division at 203-977-4404. You can also see his website at www.RxPatrol.org. You can also contact Lt. Timothy Shaw at 203-977-4836.

(photo from Tacit Requiem, flickr.com)

Spirit of September

I was excited to see that This American Life - the beloved NPR storytelling extravaganza - now lets bloggers embed episodes of their stupendous show...except that when I tried it, I couldn't make it work! BUT, at that point I was pumped up about sharing this with you, citizens - so I'm sending you through the link!

In the "back to school" spirit of September, enjoy their show entitled First Day. If you click on "stream," you can listen right there on your computer. You an also buy it and take it with you for 99 cents or even better buy the app and listen to any program you like any time you want. It's a fantabulous show, and if you haven't heard of it before now - you're welcome!

Arty Party

I don't know about you, citizens, but I love the Arts & Crafts on Bedford event, and I was excited to see that it's on for this weekend, September 25 & 26. There is great people watching and every kind of arty farty goodness you can imagine. I blogged about last year's event here and here, and it didn't disappoint.

Maybe this will be the year I make a big ticket purchase with one of my favorite exhibitors, James Polisky Art. Every year, I buy a postcard of awesomeness, but always think of putting more of my money where my eyes are. Once upon a time on at this event, I bought a gorgeous amethyst necklace and earrings - maybe they need friends. If nothing else, I'll find something new and ridiculous to blog about.

(photo from beggs, flickr.com)

New Stamford Restaurants

You can learn a thing or two by taking a peek at the Stamford Downtown Special Services District Restaurant & Clubs page. For instance, you can learn about some restaurants moving into the neighborhood.

- The most exciting one to me is Tasti D-Lite. They have them all over NYC, and I'm thrilled to read that their top notch frozen yogurt is headed our way. The site says they'll be taking up residency at 211 Main Street.

- As a recent comment on a fairly old post mentioned, you can expect an Italian restaurant called Tappo in the near future at 51 Bank Street (where the pottery place used to be).

- Another new establishment by the name of Bar Taco is setting up shop at 222 Summer Street (which I think is right next to Barcelona's Stamford location).

- You can see the signs advertising Lola's Mexican Kitchen at 135 Bedford Street. The DSSD site describes it as delivering "both a first-class Mexican Restaurant and a vibrant Bar Scene. Lola’s Menu features traditional favorites such as burritos and enchiladas, as well as a number of House Specialites. Utilizing only the freshest and finest ingredients, Lola’s Mexican Kitchen provides an everyday dining experience, with tasty offerings that are showcased in a simple, yet delicious manner."

If I learn more, I promise I'll share. If you learn more, let us know!

(photo from Justin Marty, flickr.com)