Best in New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton

Our readers love living in Fairfield County—but it’s hard to beat hometown pride. So along with revealing the Gold Coast winners in this issue, we’re also sharing our voters’ favorite places right here in New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton, as well as Norwalk. Below, find insights from a few winners and the complete list.

“Look for single-origin coffee, meaning the beans are from one country of origin,” says Christina Bellantoni, general manager, on great coffee. “Each coffee region has its own distinct characteristics. For example, when looking into Kenyan coffees think bright, juicy and fruity, and when interested in Colombian, think berries, herbs and cocoa. Always check the roast date on the bag, buy your beans whole and grind right before brewing. This will ensure the freshest taste.”

NEAT COFFEE
Coffee

Tired of staring at the same blank wall?
Use it as a gallery.

“Start by collecting things you love, things that you inherited or that evoke a memory,” says Christine Keane, owner. Be creative by mixing new with old, using different shapes and sizes and pairing modern with traditional—to a point. “Use a unifying theme, like color or subject—such as the sea—to hold it all together. You want the eye to appreciate the display but also understand that it’s visually cohesive.”

FOUND
Antiques/Vintage Store

Lackluster locks? Whether you’re new to his salon or not, Andrew Stefanou suggests an “in-depth consultation with your stylist to find out how to tackle hair that doesn’t bring you tons of compliments and confidence.” Co-owner with wife, Dee, Andrew notes that it takes a pro to stay on top of trends in color, cut, styles and product. “Invest in those products your stylist suggests, as he or she knows what your hair needs to keep looking its shiniest!”

ANDREW STEFANOU SALON
Men’s Styling

Tequila appreciation begins at Tequila Mockingbird— one of only twenty U.S. restaurants to be certified for their expertise by the Tequila Regulatory Counsel. Go when Jason Geane, who studied with master distillers, is tending bar. He says there are two ways to start: silver or aged. “Silver never touches wood, so it’s the clearest and cleanest.” Go for silver if you prefer clear spirits, such as gin or vodka. Tequila aged in barrels tends to take on the flavor of what preceded it, be it wine, whiskey or cognac.

TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD
Margaritas


NEW CANAAN, DARIEN & ROWAYTON WINNERS

CUISINE
New Restaurant: Knot Norm’s Catering Co.
Wine List + Tapas Menu + Hotel Restaurant: Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar
Steak: Washington Prime
Seafood: The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood
Special Occasion/Date Night: Match
Creative Menu + Weekend Brunch: The Spread
Best Service + Italian: The Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s
Outdoor Dining: Sunset Grille
Hotel Restaurant: Roger Sherman Inn
Vegetarian/Health Food: The Lime Restaurant
American: Gates Restaurant & Bar
Asian Fusion: Mecha Noodle Bar
French: Roger Sherman Inn
Japanese: Kazu Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant
Sushi: Kazu Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant
Mexican/Latin Fusion + Spanish: Valencia Luncheria
Indian: Coromandel Cuisine of India
Chinese: Ching’s Table
Thai: Little Thai Kitchen
Greek + Mediterranean: Mediterraneo

DRINKS
Restaurant Bar + Happy Hour: Washington Prime
Pub: O’Neill’s Pub
Wine Bar + Girls’ Night Out: Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar
Singles Scene (Under 35) + Martinis: Match
Singles Scene (Over 35): Ten Twenty Post
Outdoor Bar: Sunset Grille
Sports Bar + Big Game Day + Beer Selection: The Blind Rhino
Microbrew: O’Neill’s Pub
Margaritas: Tequila Mockingbird

GOURMET
Gourmet Grocery + Caterer + Gourmet to Go: Palmer’s Market
Health Food Market: Whole Foods
Fish Market: Fjord Fish Market
Butcher Shop: Darien Butcher Shop
Bakery: Wave Hill Breads
Coffee Shop: Neat Coffee
Wine Shop: Stew Leonard’s Wines
Liquor Shop: Total Wine & More

SWEETS
Desserts: Palmer’s
Cupcakes: Forever Sweet Bakery
Candy Store: Mackenzie’s
Chocolate Shop: Chocolate Works
Ice Cream/Gelato: Gelatissimo Artisan Gelato
Frozen Yogurt: Gofer Ice Cream

CASUAL
Lunch Spot: Valencia Luncheria
Cafe/Bistro: SoNo Baking Company & Café
Hamburgers: BJ Ryan’s
Pizza: Letizia’s Pizza
Ribs/Barbeque: BJ Ryan’s
Bagels: Bagel King
Deli: Angelo’s Specialties
Diner: Post Road Diner
Breakfast: SoNo Baking Company & Café
Juice Bar: Granola Bar

FASHION
Lingerie + Swimwear: Soleil Toile
Gala Black-Tie Attire + Cocktail Attire + Designer Boutique: Helen Ainson
Women’s Fashion: Togs
Women’s Shoes: Shoes N’ More
Men’s Fashion + Men’s Shoes + Department Store + Jeans + Accessories: Darien Sport Shop
Teen Fashion: Caren Forbes & Co
Eyewear: Specs
Consignment: Double Exposure
Tailor: Giovanni’s Tailoring

JEWELRY
Women’s Watches: David Harvey Jewelers
Men’s Watches: David Harvey Jewelers
Selection by Local Designers: Wave
Estate Jewelry: L’Armoire
Designer Jewelry: David Harvey Jewelers (Darien)
Costume Jewelry + Local Jewelry Boutique: Pennyweights

SELF
Blow Out/Updo + Women’s Styling + Colorist + Facial + Massage + Makeup Store + Waxing: Lanphier Day Spa
Men’s Styling: Andrew Stefanou Salon & Spa
Day Spa: Versailles Medical Spa
Makeup Artist + Manicure + Pedicure: Williams & Company
Spray Tan: Benefit Cosmetics

BRIDAL
Bridal Gowns + Bridesmaid Dress Boutique: A Little Something White Bridal Couture
Menswear for Weddings: Brooks Brothers
Wedding Rings: David Harvey Jewelers
Wedding Planner: Ashley Douglass Events
Wedding Gifts: Whitney Shop
Wedding Registry: Bed Bath & Beyond
Wedding Reception Venue: The Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s
Wedding Photographer: Melani Lust Photography
Wedding Cakes: Palmer’s Market Bakery
Wedding Floral Designer: Flowers and Flowers by Adam Manjuck
Wedding Invitations/Stationery: MK & T Design & Print
Wedding Dj/Live Music: Dance to the Music Entertainment

HOME
Garden Center: Nielsen’s Florist & Garden Shop
Linens: The Linen Shop
Florist: Flowers and Flowers by Adam Manjuck
Furniture Store + Outdoor Furniture + Contemporary Furnishings + Rugs: Lillian August
Home Accessories Boutique: HomeGoods
Antiques/Vintage Store: Found
Luxury Imports + China: Design Solutions
Appliances: Aitoro Appliances
Cooking Classes: Culinary Works/Kitchens by Deane
Personal Chef Services: Amanda Smith Caterers
Livery Service: Hoyt Livery Inc.
Auto Repair Shop: AC Auto Body & Mechanical Service Inc.
Car Wash: Splash Car Wash
Dry Cleaner: Fabricare Cleaners
Storage Facility: Westy Self Storage

FITNESS
Bicycle Shop: New Canaan Bicycles
Sports Gear Store + Fitnesswear: Darien Sport Shop
Golf Equipment: Golf Galaxy
Gym: The Edge Fitness Club
Fitness Studio: Orangetheory Fitness
Yoga Studio: Saraswati’s Yoga Joint
Crossfit: Achieve Fitness
Spinning Classes + Pilates: JoyRide Cycle Studio
Barre: The Bar Method
Dance Fitness: TIED New Canaan Dance Academy and Intensity Fitness
Outdoor Sports (Boards & Boats): TIED Downunder Kayaking and The Dock Shop

ENTERTAINMENT
Live Music Spot: The Goose
Performing Arts: Darien Arts Center
Local Rock Band: Tangled Vine
Local Cover Band: The Short Bus
Music Lessons: School of Rock
Radio AM: WSTC / 1400
Radio FM + Radio Personalities: The Anna & Raven Show / Star 99.9
Art Gallery: Silvermine Arts Center
Museum: Maritime Aquarium

FAMILY LIFE
Family-Friendly Restaurant: Cherry Street East Café
Toy Store: New Canaan Toy Store
Place for Children’s Parties + Museum for Children: Stepping Stones Museum for Children
Children’s Clothes: Darien Sport Shop
Baby Store: Whitney Shop
Kids’ Fitness/Sports Training: Darien YMCA
Children’s Haircuts: Johnny’s & Company (Darien)
Nanny/Babysitting Services: Nannies As Needed
Kids’ Music Lessons: TIED Jay and Ray Music for Everybody and Stepping Stones Museum
Art Classes: Silvermine Arts Center
College Prep Courses: Sylvan Learning Center
Languages Classes: Lingua School For Kids
Bookstore: Elm Street Books
Pet Supplies/Clothing: Petco
Dog Groomer/Pet Spa: The Bark Club
Veterinarian: The Veterinary Cancer Center
Local Hotel: Zero Degrees

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