new and notable
A few new and noteworthy local spots that we think are worth even a ridiculously early table reservation.
The Cottage
Greenwich Address TBD
Counting down the days until Brian Lewis’ The Cottage arrives from Westport and takes its place among Greenwich shining stars. Start the meal off with the dreamy wagyu brisket steam buns, served with napa kimchi and duck fat potato tempura, then meander over to the duck fried rice. Or anything else really on the menu; it’s all superlative.
Daily Cafe & Eatery
360 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich
The first “sister café” of Aux Delices, Daily Café & Eatery opened within the past month on Greenwich Avenue. It’s an all-day café that offers stay or takeaway coffees, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and prepared meals. If you love Aux Delices – and who doesn’t? – you’ll love Daily Café & Eatery!
Duck Donuts
805 Mamaroneck Avenue, Mamaroneck
While all of the donuts here are pretty amazing, hot out of the deep fryer, these three little words are what hooked me: Maple. Bacon. Donuts. Worth the trip down 95? Absolutely.
Flour Water Salt Bread
20 Grove Street, Darien
When Rob VanKeuren started selling bread and pastries in the parking lot at GrayBarns in New Canaan, customers would line up well before he arrived with the goods, and he would quickly sell out. His menu has greatly expanded since he opened his Darien bakery, Flour Water Salt Bread, but be forewarned, he still sells out. Some of our favorite things - the bomboloni (think airier-than-a-donut pastry with craft fillings), jambon gruyere turnover, and the croissinamon roll. And partnering with other local hot spots, Darien Cheese Shop and Darien Butcher Shop, for the toppings, Thursday is Pizza Night!
L’Ostal
22 Center Street, Darien
Open a little over a month, L’Ostal brings Manhattan-quality food to Darien, celebrating the cuisines of Southern France, Provence, and the Alps of the Piemonte region of Italy. The chef and owner, Jared Sippel, has over two decades of experience in esteemed, Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe and the USA (I had the opportunity to dine at his New York Restaurant, Trattoria Italienne, which was excellent). The General Manager and Sommelier, Joe Cracco, is a Cordon Bleu graduate who most recently was a sommelier at Le Bernardin. It’s exciting to have this much culinary star power and incredible know-how on the Fairfield County Restaurant scene!
Lila Rose
121 Towne Street, Suite 6, Stamford
The average customer’s age may be in the early 20’s, and the decibel level of the music may be 15/10, but as far as the food and cocktail quality, it’s tough to find better than what Lila Rose has to offer. The angry lobster risotto and lollipop lamb chops, the creamy gnocchi pesto, Lila’s fried rice, papas bravas Caesar, and black truffle cacio pepe are all standouts. Their pasta made tableside in a cheese wheel can’t be overlooked either. You may be a bit hard of hearing on your way out (what?), but you certainly won’t be displeased with the meal.
Orienta
55 Lewis Street, Greenwich
Another winner from the owners of Le Penguin and Fat Poodle, Orienta is a French Vietnamese bistro. The crispy lobster bites with chili mango relish and red curry coconut sauce served in shot glasses make for an exquisite starter, and paired with the salt & pepper cod entrée (which is served with sesame fried rice and sweet chili sauce), you’ve got the perfect culinary evening.
La Taqueria
10 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich
Surely to please even the fussiest Texan, La Taqueria delivers on authentic Tex Mex and tart margaritas. The grilled street corn and signature guacamole are great starters, and be sure to follow that up with any of their assorted tacos. Good news, Darienites – you’ll have a Taqueria in your neck of the woods soon as well!
Townhouse
35 Church Street, Greenwich
Located in the former Gabriele’s Steakhouse space on Church Street, Townhouse opened in February 2020 with a new and exciting menu. Make sure to try the tuna tataki crudo appetizer, the miso glazed sea bass, the gnocchi (which chef Stephen Lewandowski changes seasonally), and the rack of lamb. Be sure to follow up with the caramel-stuffed churros. Yum!