Welcome to Robin’s Resources

I’m a Fairfield County mom who loves to shop and loves having fun. I also love giggles from my three darling children, but I’d trade in a few guffaws for a great deal on a designer cocktail dress and a decent margarita. I’m confident I’m not alone in this.

But free moments are few and not to be wasted—which is why we created RobinsResources.com. Our mission is to create the definitive resource for all things—well, the good things—style, fashion, and lifestyle in Fairfield County.

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Fairfield Community Foundation

http://www.fccfoundation.org

As many of you know, at least those who scroll beyond “Bars” and “Look Good,” this site includes write-ups of local charities and foundations. Why? Three reasons: 1) it’s amazing how many wonderful opportunities exist for giving, 2) it’s alarming how few of the 2,243+ organizations we’re actually aware, and 3) researching them independently is as tedious as cleaning Vaseline off your carpet with toilet paper and baby shampoo.

The FCF understands this and was created to make giving a lot of easier.

What they do: The FCF helps you “select those [organizations] that match your charitable passions and provide well-run programs that achieve results…. [and] help local nonprofits operate at peak efficiency so they get the most good out of every dollar. You can also join other like-minded donors to engage in collective giving.”

Who they are: FCF’s leadership is composed of local community and business leaders.

Where your money goes: To ensure money is used most effectively, grants focus on 6 areas –
  - Education and Youth Development
  - Economic Opportunity (including affordable housing, workforce development, and immigrant success)
  - Health and Human Services
  - Arts and Culture/Arts Education
  - The Environment/Environmental Education
  - Nonprofit Capacity Building

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Tavern on Main Bar

146 Main Street, Westport

One of the few—and only—bars in Westport is the Lounge, or “Tap Room” in this restaurant. It’s cozy, historical, and let’s face it: your options are limited.

Robin’s note: A must-visit when bar-hopping with girlfriends—the bartenders aren’t as old as their environs.

Who you’ll see drinking here: Mom and Dad, Mom and Dad’s Mom and Dad, and whomever stumbles in after 10.

Their specialty: Blueberry-Pomegranate martini (or, as one witty bartender brazenly proffered, the “Cougar Martini”).

What you should order: My girlfriends dig their tequonics.

What you don’t know but should: The menu of specialty drinks and martinis changes seasonally.

Cava Wine Bar

2 Forest Street, New Canaan

Forest Street is a small stretch of road littered with restaurants offering patio dining. It’s a crowded place to see and be seen, especially the former, as heads to turn to follow every pedestrian or loiterer.  So look your best because you’ll be noticed.

Cava counts among these eateries. Here, you’ll find that diners here tend to focus more on their wine and repast than their passers-by. The food is delicious and elegantly prepared, and the wine list—over 120 Italian and California wines, some hard to find— is comprehensive, varied, and of very good value. Our oenophile friend was impressed and ordered a couple of excellent bottles.

Robin’s note: Careful not to stumble to your car or say something stupid like, “Wow – let’s hope I’m not too drunk to drive!” There are plenty of people listening. Most of them looked humorless and they all have cell phones.

Who you’ll see eating here: Groups of friends, mostly couples ages 30-70 years old.

Their specialty: Homemade pasta, especially panzotti (filled pasta “pillows”) and grilled calamari.

What you should order: Papardelle with chicken and truffle oil, scallops and lobster.

What you may not know but should:
  1. The owners, two brothers, are expanding into Darien (Scena) and also own 55 Degrees in Fairfield.
  2. If you’re, like, really excited about great service you may be disappointed. On the up-side, the long waits afford quality time for eyeing your neighbors and sipping vino.
http://www.cavawinebar.com

Catch a Healthy Habit

39 Unquowa Road, Fairfield

I figured I was one of, say, 5 people in Fairfield County who gets excited about a raw vegan cafe. No, I’m not a raw veganist (woah, that sounds vulgar), I just enjoy almost any food as long as it has plenty of salt. So I entered the bright, happy café on a beautiful afternoon and fully expected to be the only customer. But there were plenty of people waiting for fresh juices, smoothies, and lunch. These weren’t health food junkies, either: they were normal people enjoying a snack or meal that doesn’t come with a health warning or pangs of regret. And for raw vegan fare, it’s damn good.

Robin’s note: I ordered one of their specialties: Sesame Noodles made from kelp “noodles.” What, you may ask, is a kelp noodle? As Glen, co-owner, explained, “we strip the outside of the kelp—you know, seaweed—and we’re left with… gelatinous…” then he tapered off, possibly sensing how disturbing his explanation had become. But when my dish arrived, it was not the quivering mass of jelly-strands I envisioned. It looked like sesame noodles! And it was delicious, as was the rich, dense brownie I ordered in case the seaweed-fest didn’t work out. Afterwards I felt super-healthy and I look forward to returning for their Pasta Primavera.

Who you’ll see eating here: Women and men ages 30-50.

Their specialty: Sesame Noodles and BBQ Burger

What you should order: Spring Sushi, brownie

What you may not know but should:
  1. They sell bagged raw –food snacks, and granola and host a number of events, including superfood workshops and cleansing diet workshops.
  2. It’s the only raw foods cafe in the state and it’s not a franchise—so please support this wonderful eatery!
http://www.catchahealthyhabit.com

Dress Code

578 Post Road East, Westport

This tiny new dress boutique wants to be every woman’s go-to place for party clothes. Well, maybe, if the woman is, or wishes she were, a teenager. The clothes have a great price point of $70-100 and, for the most part, look it. There were some perks: Plenty by Tracy Reese and Nicole Miller.

HOWEVER, go for the jewelry!! It’s amazing! Again, the price point is great - $20 for a fabulous pair of gold chandelier earrings, $30 for a beautiful, simple brushed gold chain necklace. Nice quality, too.

Robin’s note: The owner’s dog just had three puppies who will, evidently, keep the sales staff and customers company during the day. Which is really cute and a huge bonus for small children who don’t have allergies. Oh – and if you have trouble finding it, look for the large “Grand Opening” sign above the door, which eclipses the store sign.

Who you’ll see shopping here: Women, mostly young women…

Their specialty: Short dresses with rayon and jersey print fabric.

What you should buy: Tracy Reese dresses and costume jewelry.

What you may not but should:
  1. Fabulous candy dish and lovely saleswomen.
  2. The owner, Mary Perkins, is happy to host shopping parties in her store for teens and Moms Night Out. Bring your own food, drink, music, pot (just kidding: that’s illegal) and she’ll offer 20% off each purchase.
  3. Worried you’ll see someone else in your dress at the Senior Prom? Relax – they’ll take detailed notes to ensure you don’t see your dress on any other attendees. Or their moms.

American Apparel

59 North Main Street, South Norwalk

I don’t hate this store but I’m not sure why. It has questionable standards, from the pervy CEO, Dov Charney, to the soft-porn marketing to the illegal workers sweating it out in their LA manufacturing facilities and, lastly, to the predominantly lousy clothes. But sometimes I compartmentalize all that in the part of my brain marked “Ignore Until a More Convenient Date” and buy a decent white cotton raglan-sleeve tee for about twice what it used to cost.

I guess the force making me buy clothes here is the same one that compels me to bring all three kids to a restaurant by myself: the hope that, despite historical fact and all appearances, it may end up being a pleasant experience. The same hope, I imagine, that compels Dov each time he decides to produce a line of translucent plaid polyester blouses or sexually harass a female employee.

Robin’s note: The silver lamé leggings frequently grace the pages of W and Vogue magazines and would be perfect if you’re dressing as the Tin Man for Halloween.

Who you’ll see shopping here: Women and men ages 15-30 years old. Many fancy themselves “contrarian.”

Their specialty: Skin tight tube dresses and metallic leotards.

What you should buy: Cotton t-shirts and sweatshirts.

What you may not know but should:
  1. While Charney is a pig, he can be commended for paying fair wages and not outsourcing his manufacturing. Even though he hires workers without the proper papers.
  2. None of his sexual harassment accusations were proven, but the man looks damn guilty.
  3. They’re bankrupt. Again
http://www.americanapparel.com

Cucino Modo Mio

5 Bridge Square, Westport

This teensy Italian trattoria, overlooking Saugatuck River, is surprisingly charming. They serve a delightful (and affordable) breakfast, from cinnamon brioche French toast to breakfast burritos, and lovely dinner dishes, from veal to pasta. Large plate glass windows afford spacious views of the water and, of course, bridge traffic.

Their weekday breakfast is not very busy, which is great for moms with kids who are easily entertained by trying to identify floating detritus in the river. When we went, the only other diners were an attractive woman and man of undetermined relationship. My 7-year old son aptly noted “People who eat here don’t have a job.” I found this amusing until he remarked, “You don’t have a job.” Then I wanted to ____ (fill in the blank).

Robin’s note: I forgot to order my eggs with a hard yolk and they arrived runny. I flagged down the hostess and asked if they could be cooked longer—she pleasantly obliged. They re-cooked the eggs on my plate, turning them crispy and tough around the edges. I thought it was odd they wouldn’t simply crack open two new eggs. Sooner or later they’ll be recalled anyway.

Other than that, the meal was very good.

Who you’ll see eating here: Well-heeled individuals 35-50 years old who don’t work.

Their specialty: For breakfast, scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon on a croissant.

What you should order: Breakfast burrito.

What you may not know but should: Police love to snag CMM (and other bridge traffic) diners for DUI, so if you’re going for dinner and wine, hire a taxi or don’t drink. Ha! Just kidding. Hire a taxi.
http://www.cucinomodomio.com

Shoes ‘N’ More

251 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich
121 Elm Street. New Canaan
72 Main Street, Westport

Buying anything other than shoes at a shoestore is tantamount to buying ceviche at a Burger King or an oil painting in a hotel lobby: sooner or later you’ll wish you hadn’t. Even if they slap a pithy appendage on their name, “Burger King ‘N’ More” or “Best Western ‘N’ More,” it won’t gloss over the fact you made a very creepy purchase. Not so at this purveyor of designer shoes for toddlers, tykes, teens, and adults. Their “‘N’ More” includes a small collection of apparel: chic tunics, flattering dresses, and tops in fun colors and styles. What’s ‘n’ more, they’re surprisingly affordable.

Robin’s note: Their sales staff is understanding and accommodating. Once, in New Canaan, I abruptly fled the store after spotting that most evil and heartless of creatures: the meter maid. Fifteen minutes later they had everything I requested laid out neatly, anticipating my imminent return.

Who you’ll see shopping here: Moms, mostly, shopping for themselves and their children.

Their specialty: Designer-label women’s shoes.

What you should buy: Tunics and Mexican-inspired tops.

What you may not know but should:
  1. Shoes N’ More is very active in community fundraisers and non-profits. Recipients of their largesse includes local American Red Cross chapters, Girl Scouts, and junior league events.
  2. I have yet to see a top or tunic in their store sold at any other boutique in Connecticut.
http://www.shoesnmore.com

Little League Challenger

Darien, http://www.dybs.org
Norwalk, http://www.leaguelineup.com
Stamford, http://www.leaguelineup.com
Wilton, http://www.wiltonlittleleague.org
Fairfield, http://www.eteamz.com
Greenwich, http://www.littleleague.org

I was never very good at sports. I loved them, though, and signed up for every thing: basketball, softball, field hockey, lacrosse… back when we signed up for sports and were spared the disgrace of try outs. It was common knowledge I’d be useless with a ball but, shoot, I could yell and cheer louder than anyone else on the team. So I did, and instead of runs, baskets, goals, and things that actually won games, I made them very noisy. At the end of the seasons, I received spirit awards. Okay, they weren’t MVP, but at least I contributed.

When I read about the Challenger Division, a team of mentally and physically challenged children playing baseball with the help of volunteers, I was touched. Here is an opportunity, I thought, to reward spirit and teamwork as the end result of a game: a laudable, often overlooked goal, and I bet I’m not the first cheerleader to agree.

What they are: “…a program that enables mentally and physically-challenged youth to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.
“The philosophy is to give all children the chance to play baseball in a setting that is fun and supportive. A big part of this, for the players, is to experience the sense of belonging that comes with being a part of a team, as well as the spirit of friendly competition through games with other Challenger teams from neighboring towns. In Challenger baseball, scores don’t count - everybody is a winner. It’s all about acceptance, self-esteem, positive learning experiences and team spirit.”

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