Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant

18 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich
222 Summer Street, Stamford
4180 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield
63.65 North Main Street, South Norwalk

Well, that was skeevy.

Before I dive into details, two things:

  1.  Barcelona is a delicious and delightful wine bar/tapas joint with a fun, noisy vibe.
  2. After reading this write-up, the new (and very kind) general manager of Barcelona SoNo, who was not aware of a certain employee’s behavior, contacted me to apologize. He was very concerned and expressed intolerance of such behavior. As of this writing, I’m confident that certain Barcelona employees will never hit on a patron—or, perhaps, anyone—again.

Robin’s note: One of the managers hit on me. Not in a flattering or coy way, but in a “God, it’s getting late and I haven’t picked up a chick yet” way. So here’s the story: I and 5 of my girlfriends go for drinks at Barcelona SoNo. We meet at 9:00 and there are several tables of women having birthday parties, drinks, whatever. When I ask a manager for the location of the restroom, he holds out his arm to escort me to a set of two doors in a narrow corridor across from the large glass wine refrigerator. I half-heartedly take his arm, then slide my arm back because it’s so queer.

An hour later I’m up again to use the facilities (I drink a lot of water when I tipple) and find both bathroom doors locked.

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Dining     Bars + Baristas     Fairfield     Greenwich     Norwalk     Stamford    

Margarita Man

Margarita Man
Mike Beetem, 860-790-1234

Every year my husband and I celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a large party. Being American, we change their day of freedom to whatever happens to work best for us, typically a Saturday night. So “Cinquo de Mayo” cheekily becomes “Secondo de Mayo” or “Octavo de Mayo” or whenever (and however we feel like translating it.) We think this is cool but it will probably be one of those dorky things that haunt our children far into their adult lives.

So when the stress of planning a party and knowing you’ll someday destroy your children’s social development starts becoming less fun than what you envisioned, it’s time to call… Margarita Man!

Margarita Man, aka Mike Beetem, saved my party and made me so happy I forgot about the other stuff that was bothering me. I simply told him when and where and he delivered a beautiful machine – all gussied up in a grass skirt and silk flowers – the afternoon of my party. He supplied the delicious mix, I supplied the tequila and the triple sec. After giving us a quick tutorial (1. Pour it in, 2. Flip the switch) he told us he’d pick up the machine the next day (which he did, precisely when he said he would).

And the party? WOW. Nothing says “Viva la Independence!” like one too many Margarita Man margaritas!

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Bars + Baristas     Entertainment     Darien     Fairfield     Greenwich     New Canaan     Norwalk     Stamford     Weston     Westport     Wilton    

BAM

21 Lois Street, Norwalk

There are good real estate markets and there are bad real estate markets, but there will always be bad taste. Everyone has a “they sponge-painted their yard furniture and put it in the dining room next to the litter box” story, but who has actually purchased a home containing such atrocities? Exactly. Which is why savvy brokers enlist interior designer Barbara A. McEntee to “stage” (fully furnish and decorate) empty or visually offensive homes for maximum show-ability and quick sale.

But here’s the kicker: after the house is sold, all of the fabulous furniture, accessories, lamps and linens are homeless. So BAM was born: a warren-like warehouse in Norwalk where you can buy all of this stuff at 30-99% off regular prices. It’s like a glamorous, sheltered garage sale that changes weekly. If you enjoy the hunt, and you don’t bring children that like to push large paintings to see if they fall off the wall, you can find some amazing treasures.

Robin’s note: The women working in the store are lovely and patient: when my kids unburdened a chandelier of its light bulbs, Jane, a designer at BAM, chuckled and asked me if they’d like some candy instead.

Who you’ll see shopping here: Primarily moms from Westport.

Their specialty: Lamps, coffee tables, and sofas.

What you should buy: A new Carver’s Guild mirror with tags for $895, normally retails for $1,175.

What you may not know but should: Upon my departure, they loaded me up with free home design magazines.
Located next to “Sugar & Olives” (see “Sugar & Olives”)

Consignment     Home + Garden     Norwalk    

Fresh Air Fund

http://www.freshairfund.org

Last year my husband and I decided to host a 6 year old boy, Eddie*, from the Fresh Air Fund. For two weeks that summer I became the mother of 4 instead of 3. It was a living hell. Imagine a playdate that lasts 334 1/2 hours too long, riddled with late-night bouts of homesickness.

However, I liked Eddie. So, despite all reasons to the contrary, we invited him back this year. When my husband picked him up in New York, he exclaimed, “I can’t wait to see Miss Robin!” He ran into my arms as though his whole year culminated in being with us once again. This time, we delighted in being together: the arguing mitigated dramatically, as did his homesickness. Eddie swam every day with us, went to the playground, went to parties, played baseball, and was genuinely and visibly thrilled with every thing we accepted as part of our normal summer routine. As difficult as the past visit had been, through it we had learned how to interact and succeed as a “family.”

Toward the end of his visit he popped his head out of the swimming pool and I saw he was drooling. He laughed and wiped his face and exclaimed, “I slobbered on the tire swing yesterday, too! I slobber when I’m having fun.” With that, he popped back into the water. I never thought I’d be so happy to see someone slobbering in my pool. That must be why God created chlorine.

The day before we drove him back to the city, he said, “Miss Robin, wouldn’t it be fun if I could stay here all summer?” Well, maybe. But I can’t wait to see him again next summer.

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Give     Darien     Fairfield     Greenwich     New Canaan     Norwalk     Stamford     Weston     Westport     Wilton    

Caffeine

133 Washington Street, Norwalk

A kick-back coffee shop/tea house with intimate seating “zones” (Moroccan zone, rickety outdoor furniture zone, grandma’s sofa zone, etc.) and a fabulous cake selection.

Robin’s note: Their coffee cup sizes are “Pepped,” “Buzzed,” and “Wired.” That pretty much makes me love this place. That, and the chocolate cherry biscotti.

Who you’ll see drinking here: SoNo shoppers, art gallery owners, and people who listen to open mic poetry.

Their specialty: Select teas and local pastries.

What you should order: A good, reliable cup of coffee and Junior’s cheesecake.

What you may not know buy should: Coffee refills cost $1.

Dining     Bars + Baristas     Norwalk    

SCORE

Counselors to American’s Small Businesses, Fairfield Chapter
http://www.scorenorwalk.org

It was the late ‘90s. Like most young women in the free world, I decided to start a handbag business. Because I had no clue what I was doing, the handbag venture sort of fizzled. (I did get to tour creepy manufacturing facilities in New York and Fall River, though, so that was a plus.)

In retrospect, I did two things correctly with my business: 1. Consulted a retired businessman through SCORE, who gave me very helpful advice, 2. Folded.

Given today’s economy, thousands of people are starting their own small businesses. I advise them to consult SCORE for help. (Not to be confused with Scores. Biiiig difference.)

What they do: “SCORE… was established by Congress in 1964 as a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and formation, growth and success of small business. … SCORE volunteers use their expertise and energies to implement proven business practices in accomplishing your business objectives.” (website) Counselors offer expertise in almost every skill (IT, General Management, Marketing, PR, Strategic & Growth Planning, etc) and in almost every interest area (Photography, Retailing, Traveling, Gardening, etc.).

Who they are: “The Fairfield County Chapter has 50 volunteer professionals with a very broad mix of senior executive and small business experience. These dedicated men and women include both working and retired executives and business owners.” (website)

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Give     Darien     Fairfield     Greenwich     New Canaan     Norwalk     Stamford     Weston     Westport     Wilton    

Green Demolitions

15 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich
19 Willard Road, Norwalk

At first blush, it seems like a typical success story: suicidal drug addict recovers, makes a wad of cash, sells used kitchens. But wait – “used kitchens”?

Who they are: Founder and President Steve Feldman is a drug addict survivor. He began selling used, overstock, and showroom kitchens and appliances in 2005 to give back to All Addicts Anonymous (AAA), the program that saved his life, through Recovery Unlimited. To date, he owns 4 Green Demolition stores in 3 states and hires 37 people, 35% of who are recovered addicts or family members of recovering addicts.

What they do: In addition to kitchen cabinets and appliances, GD sells objects for the entire house: lamps, toilets, sinks, furniture, candlesticks, etc. Pretty much any decent donated item. But mostly kitchens and appliances.

How to donate: If you wish to donate, they’ll send over a truck to pack up your old kitchen, etc. and haul it to the nearest GD store. You don’t have to pay a dime in disposal or moving costs and you get a tax deduction and you get a warm fuzzy.

The good stuff they sell: They do a brisk business with Christian Clive cabinetry and Viking stoves. Their new “Luxury Room” and “Gold Mine” boasts pewter and silver plate accessories, Tibetan rugs, “finer” furniture and that ilk. And if you want a Viking stove, don’t buy it retail: GD gets a bunch of them. But it’s hit or miss, so be prepared to come back regularly to find what you want.

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Home + Garden     Give     Greenwich     Norwalk    

Ginger Man

99 Washington Street, South Norwalk

I looked our waiter straight in the eye and pointedly inquired, “Do they make a good margarita here?” Sensing his hesitation, I mentally prepared myself to bewail a broken dream when he uttered,“Well, I do. I’ll make it for you.”

I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say it’s that kind of service which contributes directly to the betterment of humanity and makes this world a nicer place in which to live.

GM is known for its burgers and beer, beer, beer; over 150 beers with charming names like “Toxic Sludge” and “Rogue Dead Guy.” The décor is streamlined pub: not as kitsch as the pub down the street, but not as sleek as The Loft (which isn’t a pub, nor is it trying to be.)

The service is good, the food is fine. Oh, yes – the margaritas are fabulous.

Robin’s note: GM is a good place to bring children: there’s space to run around and the din drowns out their happy giggles and deafening screams… okay, just deafening screams.

Who you’ll see eating here: Families and couples 35-65.

Their specialty: Burgers and Irish pub fare.

What you should order: Burgers.

What you may not know but should: They’ve won a bunch of awards for their food and carry a number of rare and vintage brewskis.
http://www.gingermannorwalk.com

Dining     Norwalk    

Los Molcajetes

211 Liberty Square, Norwalk

You know an ethnic restaurant is authentic when they misspell English words on the menu (unless it’s a Chinese restaurant. Then it means a quick trip to the hospital for a stomach pump.) This amiable near-dive eatery bills itself as “Find Authentic Mexican Cuisine” and is as delicios as it is barata. They cater for special occations and is our pleasure to serve you.

Robin’s note: Their margaritas come from a bottle and taste like _______ (fill in the blank).

Who you’ll see eating here: Young Hispanic families, older couples.

Their specialty: Molcajete Mixto, mixed grill with onions, peppers, and cheese.

What you should order: Camarones a la Mexicana, shrimp with tomato, onion, and jalapeño.

What you may not know but should:
  1. Their tortillas are homemade in-house.
  2. Everyone receives a basket of chips and two types of salsa: spicy & sweet.

Dining     Norwalk    

Red Lulu

128 Washington Street, South Norwalk
Restaurant review

I love temporary tattoos. I like the realistic ones (roses, skulls) that make it look like I hit the road with my sweet hog after pre-school drop off. The drawback is they’re an effective barometer of how often one bathes. Like when I arrived, bare-armed, to my exercise class with “Red Lulu” emblazoned across my bicep and received tentative inquiries as to how long I’ve had it.

As advertised on my limb, I dined out with friends at Red Lulu’s. A Thursday evening “Mom’s Night Out.” In a roomful of other groups of mom’s-night-outers. The ratio of moms-to-seats in the restaurant substantially diminished hope of receiving tasteful appraisal from handsome men, as there were scary few in eyeshot.

But that’s not the point of mom’s night out. The point of MNO is to drink, eat, and pretend you don’t have kids, which is easy to do in this hedonistic nosh-spot.  It’s scarlet, dark, shiny, loud, and a strange horror-type movie plays on the wall: a unique ambience for FC, though it may not appeal to all types.

Our congenial and efficient waiter offered complimentary shots of tequila atop watermelon granita (in two communal dishes) and we split a bunch of appetizers and entrées.  Some were good, many were creative. The pitchers of margaritas were tasty and fresh but lacked a little something special, namely alcohol. (Rumor has it the individual drinks contain more nectar of the agave).

Robin’s note: After dinner we received the tattoos with a wet towel for application and an enormous bouffant of pale green cotton candy sort of made up for their lack of tequila. And, yes, I bathed after exercise class.

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Dining     Norwalk