Chef Geoffrey Zakarian
THE NATIONAL
Coming Soon
Top restaurateur and chef Geoffrey Zakarian, the talent behind Patroon, Town, and Michelin-starred Country in Manhattan, who’s also a judge on Chopped, will partner with Lou Ceruzzi to open The National. The modern American restaurant, a sister to The National in New York, will serve up crafted cocktails and approachable food that’s seasonally driven from culinary director Eric Haugen. Expect creative dishes from the custom wood-burning grill, handmade pastas and cocktails with fresh-pressed juices from Green & Tonic. Must-order drink: the gin-based Greenwich Mean Thyme cocktail. 376 Greenwich Avenue., 203-861-6851
FRESH ON THE GREENWICH SCENE
MILL STREET BAR & TABLE
Opening Fall 2015
Chef Geoff Lazlo, whose résumé includes Gramercy Tavern, The Whelk and Chez Panisse, is heading up the kitchen in the New American eatery. With design by Marcia Tucker and owned by Lesley and Bill King of Back 40 Farm, expect a comfortable, relaxed environment and incredible attention to the sourcing of food (the chef has a plot in the community garden and has been gardening since childhood). Seating ranges from the beautiful garden patio to the library and the zinc-topped bar. On the menu: dishes such as wood-grilled oysters, hot smoked trout and sweet potato-and-wild mushroom pizza.
230 Mill Street, 203-813-3323; millstreetct.com
FLEISHER’S CRAFT BUTCHERY
Opening Fall 2015
As of press time, Fleisher’s butcher shop was set to open in September in Cos Cob, next to Fjord Fisheries and Greenwich Cheese Company. The trio of shops create a mini gourmet zone within the village, with the newcomer offering locally sourced, pasture-raised beef, pork, lamb and poultry, including heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving as well as produce, seasonal grab-and-go provisions, rotisserie meats and heat-and-serve foods for nights when you just don’t have time to cook. In the colder months, grab a cup of the hot bone broth.
160 East Putnam Avenue, fleishers.com
GAIA
Opening Fall 2015
Douro fans are looking forward to a second restaurant from Chef Rui Correia and his wife, Dana. The new Mediterranean with Portuguese influence will open this fall in the space that was most recently Pierangelo. Gaia’s seasonal menu will focus on fish and shellfish. While Douro emphasizes small plates and sharing, Gaia will be more of an intimate personal dining experience.
GRAVINA
Opened Summer 2015
A small Italian eatery called Gravina opened in Cos Cob featuring authentic Roman-style pizza, which has a thick crust that’s very light because it’s made with more water than flour. The pizza’s sold by the pound so you can order any size you like. Chef Nunzio DeTommaso, who grew up in southern Italy, also whips up panzerotti, similar to a calzone but more delicate, stuffed with mushrooms, fontina and truffles, or any other combinations.
There’s a substantial choose-your-own-toppings-and-greens salad bar, too.
1 Strickland Road, 203-340-9400
BACK 40 KITCHEN
Opened Summer 2015
The restaurant’s chef, George Demarsico, has the eighty-five-acre organic Back 40 Farm (in Washington, Connecticut) at his disposal, and it shows. The menu changes several times a week and features fresh juices, seasonal salads, and entrees like the pulled pork sandwich or grilled scallops with summer squash, citrus and herbs. The space has been reimagined since its Organic Planet days, with loads of reclaimed wood and barn accents, and a ceiling that’s opened an extra story to reveal big skylights. Even the cocktails are organic.
107 Greenwich Avenue, 203-992-1800; back40kitchen.com
LUGANO WINE BAR
Opened Summer 2015
Opened in the spot formerly occupied by Bistro Latino, the renovated space is more casual and cozier in feel, taverna-style with a longer bar, lots of booths and banquettes. Popular tapas include mussels, lamb chops, roasted truffle Brussels sprouts and truffle mac ‘n’ cheese. There’s also a good selection of pasta and ample wines by the glass, which are just $5 during “social hour,” weekdays from 4–7 p.m.
1392 East Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich, 203-990-0955; luganowinebar.com
NEWSWORTHY
BISTRO V
Makeover
The patisserie cases up front will be exchanged for a larger, wraparound bar with its own menu; but not to worry, you can still order your favorite desserts. A new fall menu from Chef Erik Erlichson showcases French classics while adding more international flavors and an emphasis on shareable plates.
339 Greenwich Avenue, 203-661-6634; versaillesgreenwich.com
FRANKLIN STREET WORKS
New Chef
Feast your eyes on contemporary art while you eat at this gallery and cafe, which has a new chef, Erin Emmett. For brunch and lunch, served inside or out on the back patio, Erin whips up great quiche, gourmet grilled cheeses, white bean and tomato toast; salad includes whatever’s ripe at that moment.
41 Franklin Street, Stamford, 203-253-0404; franklinstreetworks.org
FIRENZE
New Name and Brunch
(The restaurant formerly known as Golden View Firenze) is now serving brunch, an American-style buffet as well as omelettes and pasta ($40 per person). Add bottomless mimosas and bloody Marys for $15.
Sundays 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
249 Railroad Avenue, 203-817-0919; gvfct.com