Dear Westport,
When I moved here after growing up in Manhattan and seven years spent in Seattle… honestly, I wasn’t completely sold. I was used to living in cities, and while I knew Westport was, by far, the “best of the suburbs,” I wasn’t sure this was the life I wanted for myself or my three young children. I must also confess that when I launched CTbites.com after settling in, the name was a definite double entendre.
I’ve always been obsessed with good food. Growing up in Manhattan meant jumping on the subway every Sunday to head to Chinatown. In Seattle, doing underground pop-ups and farm dinners had furthered my love and appreciation for those who farmed and those who sourced ingredients and created beautiful food.
Once the kids were in school, I began exploring the local restaurant scene, looking for the type of culinary experiences I had grown up with. Long before it had become trendy, I was seeking out hidden gems, mom-and-pop taco shops, and prided myself on scoring the best bagel or black-and-white cookies. Westport, and Fairfield County more broadly provided my entry point to the CT culinary world and my search for great eats saved me. What I found in the suburbs were great stories and unique experiences in my journey to meet the extraordinary chefs, farmers and makers who gave richness and meaning to my days.
Westport has long been a town that supports the arts. I believe this helped to make it the state’s first real “foodie” town. The best farmers’ markets are in Westport for good reason. Sure, the town loves its football team, but they are equally passionate about Staples Players and a sustainable food scene. It was the perfect spot to launch CTbites.
I started interviewing chefs like Bill Taibe and Brian Lewis. We helped each other grow, and I’m proud of the work I’ve has done to support and highlight the local culinary community for the past 14 years.
It all started in WESTPORT, and as it turns out, CT doesn’t “bite” at all: It’s actually pretty darn cool. Thank you, Westport.