SUNSHINE and SUMMER BREEZES AHEAD! There’s no better time to DINE BY THE WATER, maybe even in a BATHING SUIT. Check out these casual options and QUINTESSENTIAL NEW ENGLAND MEALS, no primping or tablecloths (except maybe paper ones) necessary.
Note: It’s completely coincidental that a timely theme of immigrant American-dream stories emerged in this list!
GREENWICH FISH COMPANY
5 Riverside Lane, Riverside
HOURS: Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
203-990-0801; greenwich.fish
Nothing says summer in New England like a scrumptious lobster roll. Pick up the best in town at Greenwich Fish Company and head down to Tod’s Point for lunch and a dip in the Sound or a sunset picnic. Owner Victor Alvarez is passionate about selling only the finest-quality wild-caught or responsibly-farmed fish. Victor was a teacher in Guatemala before immigrating to the States and becoming a student of the restaurant and seafood world. He learned fast and helped expand a leading fish market to multiple locations. He then met Karina, an expert fish cutter, who helped him fulfill his dream of opening Greenwich Fish Company and captured his heart, too.
HOOK’D ON THE SOUND
60 Compo Beach Road, Westport
HOURS: Mon.–Sun. 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m. (summer weekends/holidays: 10 a.m.– 7:30 p.m.)
hookedct.com; @hookdct
The name of the grill may change, but one thing remains a given at Compo Beach’s eatery: buttery lobster rolls (or the cold mayo version). Just hit the beach with a towel and flip flops, and leave the food and drinks to Hook’d, which caters to the sandy-footed crowd with a casual cafeteria-style line and picnic-table seating in an open-air pavilion. Elevated offerings like salads and fish tacos balance out the standard burger-and-hot dog beach fare—plus irresistible greasy fries for all.
PALMER’S MARKET
264 Heights Road, Darien
HOURS: Mon.–Sun. 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
203-655-2077; palmersdarien.com
Tote a gourmet picnic from Palmer’s to Pear Tree Point Beach or Weed Beach in Darien. Palmer’s Market has been in the family for five generations, which is why everything they do is time-tested and done right. Palmer’s began as a butcher shop over 100 years ago, launched by young Italian immigrant Rocco Joseph Palmer. Now their excellent butchery is complemented by a bakery, prepared meals, produce, specialty items, catering, a flower shop and a gift shop. The Palmers who run the store today combine an array of business and culinary degrees to continue the Palmer’s dedication to integrity, legacy, ambition and charitable spirit.
ROWAYTON MARKET
157 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton
HOURS: Mon.–Sat. 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
203-852-0011; rowaytonmarket.com/the-market/deck
Grab take-out and a table on the porch at the back of Rowayton Market anytime of day for a serene, low-key snack or meal, overlooking Five Mile River. Sip a coffee or ice coffee in the morning with an egg sandwich or pain au chocolat or enjoy a Caesar Salad at lunchtime or one of the Market’s gourmet bestselling sandwiches: the Crockett, East Beach, Indian Trail or the McKinley. At sunset, nibble on gourmet cheeses, or indulge in a cheesesteak. Then ponder what the river was like in the mid-1800s when packet ships stopped at this very market (one of the oldest in Connecticut), delivering meats, produce and dry goods.
DRS.ORDERS BAKING CO
drsordersbakingco.com
Daniel Reardon has been obsessed with baking since hovering over his mother’s shoulder in their Indiana kitchen. Fortunately for us, he now resides in Connecticut (and New York), and the Doctor is ordering us to indulge in the exquisite cookies he has been fine tuning since he was a midwestern boy. You may have seen his cookies sprinkled around New Canaan, including at The Playhouse. His “prescriptions” come in the forms of: Kitchen Sink Cookies (there’s even a gluten-free version), Peanut Butter Cookies, Brown Butter Blondies, Carrot Cake and a whole host of drool-worthy medicines in-between. Go for the Assorted Dozen to try them all. And don’t forget Roo’s Dog Treats for your furry pals. The DRs. ORDERs Baking Co. also offers catering, which, of course, is sweet.
FATTO A MANNO
1835 Post Road East, Westport
HOURS: Wed.–Sun. 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (or until sold out)
fattoamanobreads.com
You know those stories of people eating carbs in Italy and not feeling the same slump they experience here? This new artisanal Italian micro-bakery, Fatto a Mano, brings you the fine ingredients and time-tested recipes you’d find in the old country. Enjoy fresh sourdough bread, focaccia, pannetone and pastries—all naturally leavened. You may have already tasted these goods at the farmer’s market or Wakeman Town Farms. The brick-and-mortar shop means your breadbox will be full all week.