Portrait By Venera Alexandrova
When putting together a bimonthly magazine, there is often a lot of advance planning required. But planning this issue’s cover story certainly took things up a notch.
We had been following the Rowayton Seafood oyster bar project for a while, occasionally checking in with the Conroys to see how it was taking shape. We were hoping to photograph Pearl for the cover of the May/June issue, but like home renovations, boat restorations take time and the completion date can be like a moving target.
We were thrilled when the invite arrived welcoming friends and family aboard Pearl for a preview party in mid-October—but winter was knocking at the door, and we knew the boat would only be in the water for a short while before she needed to be hauled out for the season. So, as soon as Kevin Conroy of Rowayton Seafood gave us the go-ahead, we called up photographer Katharine Calderwood and started scheduling.
It had been a mild fall and we were hopeful that we would luck out with another unseasonably warm day. Talk about wishful thinking! Records show the average temperature in Norwalk that day was 37 degrees, which doesn’t include wind chill. But the sun was out and we were determined to get our cover.
Art director Venera Alexandrova and editor Eileen Murphy (left), with other frozen guests aboard Pearl last fall. – Photographs by Katharine Calderwood
Guests joining us aboard that day understood the assignment—it was absolutely freezing and almost November, but we had to make it look like it was springtime in coastal Connecticut. So when Calderwood lined up her shot from the chase boat and art director Venera Alexandrova radioed us on Pearl to remove our many winter layers, all you saw was flowery dresses, sun hats, short sleeves and smiles.
The memory of this day makes me laugh. We got the shot of Pearl, shining in all her glory as she graces the waters she once dredged in her previous life. Learn more about her transformation and then make a reservation to visit Pearl, now that the warm weather is finally here!
In addition to Pearl’s return to service, there is much to celebrate in this issue. We have a wonderful story about how Rowayton’s Sarah Balsley shares joy and kindness through her passion for growing and gifting flowers with The Flower Project. We also have an update on all the amazing things Darien’s Ali Truwit is up to with her foundation Stronger Than You Think.
As per usual, once we get on the topic of food, we go on and on—with a new cooking show from New Canaan’s Anna Gass, an in-person cooking class plus incredible views with Rowayton’s Michele Salmini and a new sourdough bagel shop in New Canaan. Plus lots of other great stories, including our annual “Good Life” feature on all the unique places around lower Fairfield County that make our little corner of the world so special.
So say goodbye to those winter layers and shake off the chill from this cold, grey winter. For spring has finally sprung and it’s time to celebrate!
EILEEN MURPHY