SAIL INTO TOWN
PARKER MANSION
The fifty-six-year-old Mansion Clam House became a town landmark at the Saugatuck River Bridge. It recently gave way to the new Parker Mansion, which is owned by PATRICK FAHY (he also owns Parker, Steaks and Scotch in Trumbull and Parker Eatery and Bar in Stratford). While its vibe may be casual, serving American fare, the complete redesign was anything but. Seating on the second floor and deck offer great views and boat slips welcome sailors.
15 Riverside Ave., 203-557-9325
DRIVE INTO THE COUNTRY
SCHOOLHOUSE
The beloved Schoolhouse at Cannondale restaurant remains a treat, but with a few new tricks. This past winter CHEF TIM LABANT looked up from his spectacular cooking to try a few creative offerings. For example, he began limited-time-only cooking classes. March includes fish, winter braising and knife skills as well as appetizers, soups and grains ($175 per class). He also served a limited-run four-course meatless menu. Enjoy a backroad drive to a great destination.
34 Cannon Rd., Wilton; schoolhouseatcannondale.com
TAKE THE TRAIN HOME
HARVEST
Even diehard fans of the former Mario’s Place, opened in 1967, will be won over by the new Harvest Wine Bar and Restaurant. Siblings and co-owners, KLEBER, NUBE AND VICENTE SIGUENZA, gave the space a fresh mix of reclaimed wood, shiny metal and modern lighting, and an impressive collection of wine and spirits. A packed opening party suggests another hit from these pros, who also own Cava, Scena, 55 Wine Bar and Harvest in Greenwich.
36 Railroad Pl., 203-221-0810; harvestwinebar.com
SAIL UP, WALK IN, TAKE THE GOLF CART…
PEARL AT LONGSHORE
In mid-February Marc Backon and Antonio Ninivaggi open the doors to Pearl at Longshore, revealing a new casually elegant interior. Executive Chef Michael Hazen complements that with a sophisticated and seasonally inspired menu. Backon, a native Westporter, was frequent patron of Pearl’s predecessor, the eighteen-year-old Splash. He says, “The location is a real gem, which was the inspiration behind the name.” We say the same for this new place, it’s a gem. 260 Compo Rd. S.; pearlatlongshore.com