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HOME A Hersam Acorn Special Section

February 2011

Darien Antiques Show


Antiques Add
Layer Of Interest

Fireplace Safety
Flames Of Delight
Turn To Fright

Once A Jamesway Barn


Now A Vintage
Carriage House

Greenwich Post • The Darien Times • New Canaan Advertiser • The Ridgefield Press • The Wilton Bulletin • The Weston Forum • The Redding Pilot • The Lewisboro Ledger
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FLAMES OF DELIGHT TURN TO THOSE OF FRIGHT
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by Amanda Bomann
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���������������������� A home fireplace conjures images of the fire had burned out – into a garbage
������������ coziness on a cold winter’s day, where bag and discarded it in a plastic garbage
warmth and relaxation is provided away bin next to our detached garage. I hadn’t
����������������������� from the stresses of the world outside. But thought to tell her to not clean the fireplace,
� ����������������������� fireplaces can also be sources of destruc- and she wanted to do a thorough job.
tion, injury and, in extreme cases, death. Five hours later, a neighbor, looking
��������������������������� This I know first hand. out a window, saw our garage on fire and
� ���������������������� A few years ago, I had embraced the called the fire department. I came home
winter fun of a frigid January day. After from work to a charred garage. But every-
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� ��������������� skating on a frozen pond, my husband and one was safe, and while flames had come
� �������������������� I made a fire, warmed our feet and drank close to our house, the fire department
� ��������� hot chocolate. It had been a perfect way to had been called quickly enough to prevent
spend a chilly winter day. Perfect until our damage to it. Needless to say, I thanked
������������������������� garage burned down two days later. our neighbor profusely.
� ������������������������ A woman who cleaned our house swept The simple, preventive measure of not
� ��������������������� the ashes from the fire – two days after removing the ashes would have changed
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2 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. February 2011


the outcome. I am aware of how fortunate Siecienski. “We’ve had calls from people
we were that my dog had not been locked who have vacuumed ashes and, days
in the house, and our neighbor had ran- later, the vacuum cleaner is on fire. Ashes
domly looked out a window she seldom should be brought directly outside and
uses. For many people, the result of not put into a steel container.”
practicing basic fireplace safety can have “Just because a fire is out doesn’t mean
devastating consequences. the ashes are out,” added Greenwich dep-
According to Greenwich fire chief Peter uty fire marshal Rob Natale. “Even if the
Siecienski, there is an average of 300 calls ashes are not glowing and are not warm,
per month during the winter, most of they need to go into a steel container. The
which are related to heat sources and are times we’ve responded to a homeowner
preventable.
“People need to be cautious with
the ashes from fireplaces,” said Chief See Fireplace safety page 7

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February 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 3


ONCE A JAMESWAY BARN

Now a vintage
carriage house
by Jane K. Dove

“My wife, Bonnie, and I always finally came onto the market, and
wanted a house with character Larry didn’t waste any time. “We
and always had a special inter- saw the house at seven one eve-
est in vintage carriage houses,” ning – right after hearing it was
says Larry Gershman, the proud available. I made an offer; it was
owner of a beautifully renovat- accepted, and here we are.”
ed, Turn of the Century speci- The Georgian Revival-style
men on West Lane in Ridgefield. home, which has been given his-
“We were living nearby in North toric status by the town, is a
Salem, and had been driving by classic example of a Jamesway
Bryan Haeffele

what is now our home for years, barn, which was exhibited at the
always admiring it.” World’s Columbian Exposition in
In 2004, the carriage house Chicago in 1893. “Life” magazine
This intriguing carriage house was once part of the estate of John Ames Mitchell, founder of Life magazine. the couple had long coveted founder, John Ames Mitchell,

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4 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. February 2011
owned the original estate with its landmark period weathervane. The other end has a

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stone-and-wood manor house on West cobblestone chimney.
Lane, and contracted to build the barn with The home is built on a fieldstone foun-
Jamesway, circa 1899. dation, in harmony with the manor house
Jamesway barns won numerous awards on the adjacent site. Together, both homes
for excellence in design and construction in capture the charm and look of that bygone
their day, and the West Lane structure is a era.
classic example of that high quality, which Mature trees have been carefully pre-
has been enhanced by a painstaking and served on the one-and-a-half-acre site, and
thoughtful conversion to residential use. the property is lush with perennial gardens.
The home has 4,300 square feet of liv- A swimming pool with a stone patio and
ing space on two levels, and the Gershmans two vintage outbuildings, including a pot-
have preserved many of the architectural ting shed, complete the home’s exterior.
details of the carriage house/barn, while
making structural changes that are true to Loving Restoration ��������������������������������������������
the spirit of the original. All materials were In the renovated carriage house, the care
salvaged from homes of the same period. and thought that went into the renovation ���������������������������������������
are readily apparent, and tranquility is in �������������������
Exterior Charm the air.
Looking at the home from the exterior, Many of the original beams and thick oak
one of the most striking features of the flooring have been preserved, with an aes-
wood-shingled structure is the gambrel thetically pleasing use of different patterns
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roof, with a gable that rises above what was and shades of wood. Although the original
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once the barn’s central door. In the space carriage house lacked light, the Gershmans
between the barn door and the roof is a have added plenty, using multi-paned win-
fanlight with dentil trim. dows in a number of creative ways, while
The same trim graces the roof’s gutters.
Crowning the roof at one end is a turret
with a swooping conical roof topped by a See Carriage house page 6 ������������������������������

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February 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 5


Carriage house continued from page 5 wanted a comfortable, easy-living space,
where people could come in, kickback and
multi-paned windows, along with the care-
fully preserved horse-stall windows above,
relax,” says Bonnie. add plenty of light, and original stall bars
still preserving some of the original, smaller “When we purchased the home, there Built-in cabinetry abounds throughout top a beadboard half-wall, which separates
windows of the old horse stalls. was no fireplace,” Larry says,” so we built the home, some of it housing Bonnie’s exten- the kitchen from the dining area.
The first floor of the renovated home a large double fireplace with a soapstone sive collection of vintage pottery, which Throughout the home, there is a rich
has four major rooms: a large, central liv- hearth. We put an 1890 replica nickel- includes McCoy and Roseville pieces from variety of architectural detail, with some-
ing room with the original entry doors for plated stove in one of the openings, and that the 1940s. The spacious kitchen makes thing pleasing to look at around every cor-
carriages at front and rear; a den; an office; serves as a focal point for the room.” excellent use of beadboard, and the ceiling ner. Patterns of wood harmonize from room
a dining room and kitchen. The second Throughout the home, Larry and Bonnie contains old pine beams rescued from a to room, and the large, original barn doors
floor, which housed the hayloft, has a large have taken care to add warmth, using a warehouse in Irvington, N.Y. with their diagonal wood add their own
master suite with a spectacular bathroom neutral color palette accented by colorful A chestnut center island is accented with visual interest.
and dressing/sitting room. There are two oriental rugs on gleaming wood floors to black soapstone counters and gleaming
additional bedrooms and baths. delineate areas of use and conversation. “We stainless-steel appliances. New dark wood, See Carriage house page 14

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6 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. February 2011
Fireplace safety continued from page 3 fire. Loose debris starts shooting out of the
chimney, and your chimney will resemble
a roman candle.
waking up to find the side of their house leak into the house if the chimney flue or “Warning signs that your chimney
on fire because of discarding ashes in the damper is blocked or there is a cracked needs to be cleaned include water drip-
trash can are too numerous to count.” brick or fire liner. ping inside the chimney, and when fires
The type of wood used in the fire and Symptoms of carbon monoxide poi- are smoky and have an odor,” said Mr.
what materials are put into the fireplace soning can be similar to the flu or can Ball. “Once a maximum of a half a cord
can lead to unsafe conditions. be just a slight headache felt over a few of wood has been burned, the fireplace
“During the holiday season, we have days. The carbon monoxide levels can go should be inspected. And always burn
calls from people who have started fires up quickly, and people have died in their good, hard wood, such as oak and cherry
by putting wrapping paper or parts of sleep,” said Chief Siecienski. “Look to that has been seasoned outside for at least ����������
the Christmas tree in the fire,” said Chief see the life span of the sensor on carbon- a year. Softer woods such as pine create ������������
Siecienski. “Pine trees have sap, and the monoxide detectors and change batteries more creosote.” � �����������
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needles burn quickly and become hot fast. on both carbon-monoxide detectors and For care of ashes, Mr. Ball recommends � ���������������
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Chimney fires can spread horizontally into smoke detectors every time the clocks allowing a bed of ashes to build up to one � �������������������
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the walls and create house fires.” change. And keep the carbon-monoxide inch, as this helps insulate the floor of the � �����������
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“Newspaper can be used to start the detector outside the living area in the fireplace and makes the next fire easier to
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fire, just don’t continue to add paper hallway, not directly next to the fireplace, start. Once over an inch, ashes should be ����������������������
because this can lead to other areas out-
side the fireplace catching on fire,” said
to be accurate.”
Hiring a licensed and certified chimney
swept into metal containers only.
“And in the spring, old ashes can be ������������������
Fire Marshal Natale. cleaner for an annual inspection and clean sprinkled onto garden beds and lawns for ������������������������
Carbon monoxide and smoke detec- can prevent many problems. “Creosote fertilizer,” he said.
tors are essential when using a fireplace. is produced when wood is burned, said James Ball Chimney Service offers free �������������������
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“We have been vigilantly working to let James Ball of James Ball Chimney Service inspections and can be reached at 203- ����������
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the public know the hazards of carbon in Stamford. “This is a substance resem- 975-9242. Chief Siecienski said there ��������������
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monoxide. When wood is burned, carbon bling roofing tar. When it builds up to an are no foolish questions, and encouraged
monoxide is produced, which is odor- eighth of an inch, it needs to be cleaned. residents to contact their local fire depart- ����������������������������������������������
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less and colorless. Carbon monoxide can When creosote builds up, it catches on ments with any concerns. ■ ���������������������������

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February 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 7


■ RACKING I ONE’S I BRAIN ■

Cell phones make life easier, only when they don’t


by Tim Murphy

In the commercial for Microsoft’s new Small, lightweight and mobile, it has become go much time without missing, the cell issues can arise. When Josh Fisher, editor of
Windows phone, two men are standing next our personal assistant – a lifeline to family, phone has often gone missing. The Darien Times, lost his cell phone a few
to each other at urinals. The one on the left friends, work and diversion. It allows us to “Everybody loses their phone at least years ago, he stopped at a Sprint store in
is looking at text messages when he drops do so many things that we are actually at its once,” said Mr. Gomez, striking an ominous Norwalk to get a replacement. An employee
his cell phone into the urinal and then bends command – a digital example of freedom tone. “We have some customers who lose grabbed a box from behind the counter and
down to retrieve it, prompting the guy on morphing into enslavement. them two or three times a year.” handed Mr. Fisher his new phone, which,
the right to look over and say “Really?” More than 91% of Americans now own Non-scientific research reveals that he he said, was as bright red as Commissioner
The question is meant to address the a cell phone, and a few years ago the device isn’t being dramatic. Of the roughly 20 peo- Gordon’s line to Batman.
clumsy guy’s inability to perform a routine surpassed the personal computer as our ple asked for input on this story, 12 had lost “When I was covering a congressional
task without needing time to check his texts favorite piece of technology. That bond their cell phones at some point and needed hopeful’s campaign headquarters that fol-
– an issue that the Windows phone will comes into striking focus whenever a cell replacements. lowing Tuesday night, which required call-
purportedly correct due to a more efficient phone goes missing or stops working. “Bars, restaurants, the back of taxis ... ing in reports every 20 minutes or so for
operating system. But the quizzical response “It’s a traumatic experience for someone those are among the most common places various newspapers, I would stand in the
could also apply to a broader phenomenon: when they lose their phone or it gets dam- where people leave their phones,” said Mr. corner of the press room, hiding the phone
The lengths (or watery depths) people will aged and is unusable,” said Steve Gomez, Gomez. from my fellow journalists, who, I was sure,
go to keep their cell phones. manager of the Verizon Wireless store in While the most troublesome aspect of los- would laugh at me for my Solo cup-colored
The motivation is understandable. Ridgefield. “They feel like they can’t survive ing a phone is the loss of information, par- phone,” said Mr. Fisher.
Nothing represents the triumph and terror without it. Even for one day.” ticularly contact numbers (no one appears “That red phone, which turned out to be
of technology better than the cell phone. Ironically, for something that people can’t to back up anything), other non-expected much worse than the phone it replaced, even

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���������� Don’t let your patio
Winter Sale
���
set sit idle and fill
with snow,
Restore it today
...and in 2011 it’ll
be ready to go!
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���������������������������������� Patti invites you
������������������������ to the Portico, now
�������������������� that Autumn has
diminished...
������������������������������������ Relax in Spring,
������������������������������������������� because your
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8 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. February 2011


broke for good on me once,” he continued.
“But luckily Sprint had another red phone to
replace it – even though I intentionally went
to the Stamford store thinking they would
have something better than the Norwalk
store. I remember a man behind me saying,
‘At least it’s not pink,’ when I tried to fight
for a non-red phone.”
Perhaps even more frustrating than a lost
cell phone is the one that has stopped work-
ing, often due to owner negligence, abuse or
the aforementioned clumsiness.
“We had one customer who left his cell
phone on top of his car and then ran over it
when it fell off,” said Mr. Gomez. “And that
happened to him twice.”
Just like the distracted guy in the Microsoft
commercial, Eric Silverstadt, a New York-
based journalist whose mother lives in
Ridgefield, watched his cell phone fall into a
urinal at a courthouse in Manhattan.
“I got it out but it was drowned,” said
Mr. Silverstadt. “It was dead.” The court
officer sent Mr. Silverstadt across the street
to a hairdresser’s shop. “The owner came
out and wrapped the phone in cloth and
put the blow dryer on it for an hour,” said

See Racking page 23

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February 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 9


DARIEN ANTIQUES SHOW

Antiques add layer of interest


by Wyn Lydecker

By asking questions, looking and learning, Darien resident


Holly Friend has found just the right antiques at the Darien
Antiques Show to add special interest to her very up-to-date home.
While her family room has a state-of-the-art flat-screen TV, where
her boys watch sports, the study has Chinese Foo Dogs crafted in “When you intro-
1740, nestled on old books, and a gorgeous painting by the English duce an antique into the
marine artist Arthur Meadows, c. 1890, above the mantel. home of today, you introduce layers
“We’ve collected several pieces at the Darien Antiques Show of interest,” she said. “Antiques have a
over the years,” said Ms. Friend. “We like the dealers so much; different texture than the furniture,
A carved and gilded wooden
they are friendly and knowledgeable. Antiques like the Foo Dogs which is mass produced in factories. pilot-house eagle, c.1880,
are really fun. They don’t look like anything that is made today.” The pieces are all hand-made, hand- from Joseph Collins of
She also commented on an antique clock, c. 1900, which adorns a carved, with an attention to detail Middletown, Conn.
wall in her kitchen’s dining area. “This was in my husband’s family that you just can’t find nowadays.
and was made in Waterbury, Conn. We love having the look and “Antique art is also a wonder-
sound of the clock because it adds real warmth to the room and ful thing to buy,” she continued. “Art is really an
connects us to the past.” expression of yourself. When you see it, it should
Her sentiments were echoed by Jean Marie McLaughlin, a local speak to you. I help my clients with framing and
interior designer and owner of JMac Interiors of New Canaan. location, but I want them to pick out the art themselves.”

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HOME
Jessica Perlinski, designer

���������������������������������������������������������������������� Thomas B. Nash, publisher
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For advertising information
���������������������������������������������������������������� FEBRUARY 2011 VOL XV, ISSUE 2 call 203-438-6544
���������������������������������������������������������� Special Section to:
�������������������������� Greenwich Post, The Darien Times, New Canaan Advertiser, Copyright 2011, Hersam Acorn Newspapers, LLC
The Ridgefield Press, The Wilton Bulletin,

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The Redding Pilot, and The Weston Forum in Connecticut,
and The Lewisboro Ledger in New York
���������������������� Box 1019, Ridgefield CT 06877
Cover photo (Home of the Month): Bryan Haeffele.
203-438-6544

10 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. February 2011


Ms. McLaughlin pointed out that find- from reputable, knowledgeable dealers is tion for our show. They give detailed sales estates, early 20th- Century paintings, sil-
ing the right antiques for your home can of paramount importance. “Go to dealers receipts for every purchase. Regular patrons ver and ephemera; Lynne T. Ward Antique
take time. “We live in an age of instant who are experts in the periods they sell. know that they can find excellent values Prints of Rowayton, featuring botanicals,
gratification. With antiques, you need to be The description of the piece should be and high quality in the art and antiques natural history, fashion and architecture;
patient. But there is a thrill to hunting for, accurate.” they buy from our dealers.” and Sweden Plus, a division of Lynda
and finding, the perfect piece. When you Janet Soskin, who has been a co-man- This year’s show will feature favorite Willauer Antiques in Nantucket, Mass.,
do, it adds a story to your home.” She will ager of the Darien Antiques Show for more dealers and some new ones, including specializing in painted Swedish furniture,
accompany her clients to antiques shows than 20 years, said, “We’re now in our 44th Joseph Collins of Middletown, Conn., spe- ceramics and 20th-Century Swedish fur-
to help them discover the perfect item year, and all of our dealers are required to cializing in Fine Americana and period niture.
that will make their homes unique. She is sign a contract in which they guarantee the accessories of the 18th and 19th Centuries; The First Congregational Church of
donating a design consultation to the silent stated condition, age and description of all Find Weatherly of Westport, bringing Darien, founded in 1736, is home to the
auction that is part of the Darien Antiques their items.” Patricia Hedlund, the other co- marine and equine art and 18th- and Annual Darien Antiques Show, which is
Show Preview Party on March 4. manager added, “All of our exhibitors are 19th-Century furniture; William Macina of
Ms. McLaughlin said that buying only invited, a very important point of distinc- North Haven, with fresh merchandise from See Darien Antiques Show page 22

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February 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 11


Home of the Month • February 2011

John Noyes
House
LOCATION: Step back in time and enjoy the bucolic
delights of this antique Colonial in Weston.
PROPERTY: Four acres include sweeping lawns, colorful
gardens, patio with grill and an in-ground pool.
HOUSE: Built in 1795, this warm and welcoming home
has been entirely renovated, blending modern conve-
niences with vintage architectural details. In addition to
the living room, dining room, family room, library, great
room, kitchen with eating area, there are four bedrooms,
one a master suite, four fireplaces, two full baths and one
half-bath.
OUTBUILDINGS: Four-stall barn, paddock, shed, guest
house.
PRICE: $2,749,000.
REALTY: Coldwell Banker.
Agent: KMS Partners, 203-454-5411.
Photography: Bryan Haeffele.
Carriage house continued from page 6
Moving up to the second floor via the original car-
riage-house staircase, a visitor will find a luxurious master
suite with a raised beadboard ceiling, large sitting/dress-
ing room and a spacious white-marble bathroom with a
free-standing tub and separate steam shower. The original
half-moon window is a focal point of the master bath.
Altogether, there are three bedrooms and three and a half
baths.

Collectors
Larry and Bonnie have collected fine art for many
years, and the results of their efforts grace every room of
the house. “We love art of all types, from vintage to mod-
ern, and have used it throughout our home,” says Bonnie.
“We also admire fine photography and have many trea-
sured photos, including an extensive collection of the
works of Edward Curtis. Everything is pieces we have
found, loved and now brought together here, including
a beautiful portrait of Larry’s mother as a young woman,
painted during World War II.”
Bonnie and Larry still view their home as a work
in progress. “We may never completely finish because
Bryan Haeffele

there is always something else to do,” says Larry. “But


we love the results so far, and are always pleased when
visitors tell us how warm and welcoming our home
Many of the original beams and thick oak flooring have been preserved. feels to them.” ■

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14 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. February 2011
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February 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 15


Sustainably
Delicious
NEW COOKBOOK A ROADMAP
TO GOOD HEALTH
by Fran Sikorski

An outstanding gift for any occasion is a recently published


cookbook, Sustainably Delicious: Making the World a Better Place
One Recipe at a Time (Rodale Press, $35) by chef Michel Nischan,
assisted by Mary Goodbody. Stunning photographs by Andre
Baranawski complement the text.
“Where there is flavor, there are nutrients,
and where there are nutrients, there is The foreward was written by Nell Newman, daughter of the
health,” writes Chef Michel Nischan. late actor Paul Newman, who partnered with Michel Nischan

CLASSIC
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��� ��� ������������� ���� BARNS
PRE-CUT WITH
AUTHENTIC
MORTISE & TENON
JOINERY
(860) 350-5544
GAYLORDSVILLE, CT
HANDCRAFTED TIMBER FRAMES
www.newenglandbarn.com
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������� Carving, Veneering,
French Polish
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16 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. February 2011
�����������
to open Dressing Room, a home-grown
restaurant in Westport. Chef Nischan
ate a “cuisine of well-being,” focusing
on local organic food without highly � � �
encourages readers to experience how processed ingredients. Since then, his
the simple act of preparing organic food focus on sustainable cuisine has gone
can have a powerful effect on the world beyond the walls of Dressing Room. As
around us. president and CEO of Wholesome Wave
“Eating sustainably,” according to Foundation, he “catalyzes” fundamen-
the chef/author, during an interview at tal change in the nation’s food system.

����������
Dressing Room, “means cooking from The non-profit foundation’s mission is
scratch, and starting with fresh produce. to increase access to healthy, fresh and
I believe wholeheartedly in sustainability, affordable locally grown food to under-
so it’s no surprise it defines how I cook served communities.
and how I live. It means eating foods In his newest cookbook, published in
produced on farms and from orchards April, Chef Nischan shows how home
that apply no added chemical fertiliz- cooks can apply these same principles to
ers and pesticides, and that employ the the food they prepare, and do it without
sorts of sensible farming practices that sacrificing variety or flavor. His recipes
nurture the soil for future generations of incorporate heritage grains and beans,
crops, as well as people. Once you get less familiar cuts of meat, cultivated
into it, you will find that buying even a seafood offering a variety of fish that
few things that are grown locally and/or can be harvested without upsetting the
organically, is a major improvement. You ocean’s delicate ecosystem — all foods a
will be making a difference environmen- sustainable cook should learn to know
tally and will not blow your weekly food and love.
budget. Having grown up on an Illinois farm,
“I know this is so because although the chef features heritage recipes at his
I am a restaurant chef by trade, and award-winning restaurant. He offers a
my wife, Lori, and I have five kids fascinating array of dishes with an affini-
— Lauren, Courtney, Chris, Drew and ty for rustic flavors and preparations pre-
Ethan — and my interest in sustainable sented with finesse. Some of the innova-
home-cooking, while balancing a food tive farm-to-table recipes in Sustainably
budget, is not only genuine, it’s also nec- Delicious include heirloom beet salad ��������������������������������������������������������������������������
essary,” he said. with savory marshmallows; pork loin ����������������������������
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Also the author of Taste: Pure and roast with fried fruits and apple cider;
Simple and Homegrown: Pure and Simple, French toast with brown sugar bananas;
Michel Nischan won the James Beard Nantucket scallop porridge with apples
Foundation award for his work on the and chestnuts; homegrown fried chick- ������������� ������������
������������ ������������
PBS television series “Victory Garden.” en; lobster with sweet-corn succotash; ����������������� �������������������������
In his third cookbook, he cuts through and sweet pea and lemon ricotta ravioli.
the confusion and shows readers how to Meatloaf is a “budget meal to be proud
prepare food that is good for the environ- of,” according to the chef, who makes
ment, for animals, for farm workers and his meatloaf with high-quality ground
for our tables, and his holistic approach beef, such as the pasture-raised beef sold
to food results in a cookbook that is rich by Niman Ranch, available from good
with flavorful recipes, including use- butchers. “Because meatloaf is season-
ful advice with each recipe for cooking less, I serve it with a simple tomato and
sensibly. He also shares inspiring stories herb salad, dressed with extra-virgin
from farmers, chefs and others working olive oil and sea salt in the summer, and,
the front lines to safeguard food systems in the cold weather, I often serve it with
for future generations. a caramelized onion gravy.
In his previously owned restaurants “It’s slow steps to sustainability, and I �������� ��� ������������ ����� ���� ��� ���� �������� ������ ��� ���� �������� ������ ����
in Chicago, New York City, and Norwalk try to encourage people by telling them �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
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and now Dressing Room, the talented if everyone chose one thing to change, ������������������������������������������������������� ��������
chef has been an advocate of the sustain- we could save the earth, and you can be ������������������������������������������������������������������������
ability movement, showcasing organic a sustainability hero. It takes some plan-
ingredients from local farmers, ranchers ning, but your family will be healthy and ��������������
and fishermen. happy,” promised Chef Nischan. �����������������
���������������������
When Michel Nischan’s five-year-old For more information about Wholesome
son was diagnosed with juvenile dia- Wave Foundation; 203-226-1112; whole-
betes in 1994, he was inspired to cre- somewave.org. ■
February 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 17
■ HOME I MOANER ■

Busy as a bee in Bisbee


by Ben Guerrero

By some stroke of luck, when I got out flight in light of the backup of travelers, a few short minutes we were in the rental can see what’s left of the hotel where my
of work the snow had only just begun fall- stacked up like cord wood, who had wisely car and out on the sun-bleached highway. great-grandmother died of peritonitis. My
ing on Rusty Hinge Road. It was a lovely checked their airlines on the previous day My wool cap, vest and gloves were of no grandfather, age 13, spent his first night as
Wednesday morning and the world looked and stayed home. use to me now; the temperature was nicely an orphan under a tree where there is now
like the handiwork of a mad pastry chef Nope, we were going, but there was ensconced in the 70s, and I was getting my a condominium complex. I could go on like
with a ham-handed flour sifter. the small matter of the buried cars, buried money’s worth out of my sunglasses. this for a whole column.
The world was surreal as I crept along the walkways and the buried streets that needed My dad is the third generation of our fam- Family history lesson notwithstanding,
back streets in my red truck, all four wheels to be shoveled out before we headed off. ily to live in the little town of Florence, Ariz. it was good to be plunked on the old man’s
carrying me over the powdery roads. At the crack of dawn, cracked because Florence is noted for its huge prison com- veranda, munching tasty snacks while he
The problem was, Melissa and I were due the temperature had dropped like the GNP, plex, as the filming location of “Murphy’s had his evening tequila cordial. The four of
to hop on an airplane Thursday morning. we were headed down a dry highway. And Romance,” and for one of the noisiest bars us got to talking, and by the time we had
We had long ago planned to visit my father by some other stroke of luck, parked the ever to be built, right across the street from finished eating the first of many of Dixie’s
and his wife, Dixie, out in Arizona. I was car, got through security and made it to the my father’s guest house. delicious dinners, we had decided to take
worried that the airports might be jammed gate with plenty of time left to do a cross- My great-great-grandfather, Warner, an overnight trip to Bisbee.
up in the snow. word puzzle, where applicable. built an adobe house down near the end of Bisbee is an old copper-mining town
By the time I arose from my post night- The plane took off on time and the flight Warner Street. If you stand on the sidewalk near the Mexican border. The mine has
shift coma, the sun was back in the sky, and was smooth, and after some snoozing and in front of my father’s house and look to long since shut down. Now all that’s left is a
working on the asphalt outside the window. a crossword puzzle or two, we arrived in the left, you can see the house in which my monstrous, man-made pit, surrounded by a
The airline had called, offering us a later Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport, and within uncle was born. If you look to the right, you chain-link fence. The old town itself sits on

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18 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. February 2011


Ben Guerrero

Renovated vintage RVs now serve as suites at the Shady Dell hotel in Bisbee, Ariz.

a hillside that is garlanded with the former to choose just the right T-shirt to wear as we
shacks of the miners. The period banks and tooled through the desert in my oversized
shops of downtown now hold art galleries rental car, the thermometer happily rest-
and restaurants. A drive up the twisting, ing near the business end of 80 degrees. I
ascending roads provides a spectacular view thought briefly about the shoveling hoards
of the surrounding desert and hills, all the back in New England, but was soon lulled
way south, to Mexico. back into bliss by the balmy breeze at twi-
Dad and Dixie insisted that we stay at light and sunset among the Saguaros.
their favorite hotel. It’s called the Shady The week went by quick as a thirsty
Dell, and it is actually a series of vintage
RVs that have been fixed up, given utilities
lizard on a hot, black rock, and before we
could believe it, we were being goosed and
��������������������������
and decorated with period tchotchkes. Dad
and Dixie stayed in their favorite chromium
radiated by the TSA at Sun Harbor Airport’s
departure gate. Like the trip out there, the
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motor home c. 1950, while Melissa and I trip back was without incident, except
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stayed in a 38-foot cabin cruiser that hadn’t about 15 minutes into our eastward trajec-
been afloat for a long, long time. The Yacht tory, Melissa looked out of the window and ������������������������������������
was very cozy, although there wasn’t really saw reality, 30,000 feet under our wings. ������������������������������������������
enough room for two people to get dressed Snow, ice, cold winter. �����������������������������������������������
at the same time, but the decorator did The cats were huffy when we got in that �������������������������������������
provide sailor hats for us to wear as we sat night; they didn’t appreciate us leaving
on the poop deck with our feet propped up them in the creaky old house at Rusty Hinge ��������������������������������������������������
���������������������������������������� ������������
on the railing. Road under the care of strangers. It was cold
We enjoyed our overnight stay in Bisbee in the house, and by noon the next day, by
and recommend the trip and the Shady a final stroke of bad luck, I was shoveling a
Dell to anyone who is tired of the same old fresh foot of snow off the cars and the walk-
deluxe accommodations provided in the������������������������������������������
way and everything else.
bigger cities. And as I paused, wrapped in wool, shovel
I kept an eye on my Droid, enjoying the in hand, I stopped to contemplate the newly
many bars of 3G service that the nearness of
Bisbee provided, and yet another stroke of
forming concept of adding a fourth gen-
eration of my family to walk the wooden
������������
dumb luck, we missed another snowstorm sidewalks of Main Street, Florence, Ariz. You �������������������������������
and a unpleasant-sounding ice storm that, know what? I have had a lot worse ideas. ������������������������������������������
according to the tiny screen, had pretty What will I do with all my sweaters? ben. ���������������������������
much crippled the old East Coast. guerrero@sbcglobal.net. ■ �����������������������
My largest weather problem was trying
February 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 19
Playtime
in the kitchen
AT CLARKE CULINARY CENTER
by Robin E. Glowa

Does the sleek styling of been fantasizing about your


gleaming stainless steel appli- very own dream kitchen.
ances get your heart pumping Kitchens should be a multi-
a little faster? How about the functional space where love
professional power of thou- and creativity can flourish.
sands of BTUs at your finger- Whatever type of drama a cook
tips? Do highly stylized wine may crave in the kitchen, from
storage and integrated refrig- captivating cabinetry to lavish
erator/freezer drawers turn and luxurious surroundings,
you on? If you’re that passion- there is an amazing source of
ate about your kitchen equip- inspiration in South Norwalk,
ment, then you’ve probably where even the most extreme
Gourmet appliances surround the spacious classroom.

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20 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. February 2011


kitchen design dreams can come true. can recommend a local retailer or kitchen the imagination. nificent menu, celebrating the bounty of the
At the Clarke Culinary Center, planning designer who we know will take care of But Clarke is not just about creating spring marketplace.
a luxury kitchen is serious business made you when you are ready to finalize your beautiful kitchen spaces, Clarke is about “I love all aspects of food — for me, it’s
fun. Clarke is the exclusive New England project. creating beautiful food. And at the very all about touch and taste, love and texture,”
wholesale distributor of Sub-Zero and Wolf “We’re very much into the details here,” heart of it all, is an immense, glorious- said Chef Storch. “Spring is my favorite
appliances, well known in the industry as Marco continues. “We’re lucky to have an ly appointed professional kitchen, where season,” he said with a smile. “I just love
the crème de la crème of kitchen equip- amazing array of designers within a 30-mile Clarke has partnered with local chefs and the new crop — the freshness, the lightness
ment. Not only is Clarke the go-to spot radius who have helped us create our fantas- culinary instructors to create an incredible of the flavors. Freshness and crispness are
when shopping for high- grade kitchen tic displays. Our display kitchens show just array of cooking classes. so important; if the food doesn’t look good,
equipment, it’s a wonderful playground how inventive, sexy, creative and dramatic The kitchen is a feast for the eyes it’s not good.”
where you can actually test drive the appli- you can be with your design. Inspiration is with its lustrous hardwood floors, gleaming The evening’s menu was an explosion of
ances. what is really unique about this space.” appliances, striking tile backsplashes, stun- textures and flavors, both raw and cooked.
Make an appointment with one of The details are truly magnificent at ning marble countertops and rich, dark- The class tasted freshly shelled organic peas,
Clarke’s expert kitchen consultants and, Clarke. The kitchen displays are extraordi- wood seating. Two huge islands will accom- which Chef Storch loves to put out for his
next thing you know, you could be whip- nary examples of extreme efficiency com- modate at least 10 students each. This is a own guests as an appetizer, mixed with a bit
ping up your favorite cookie recipe in a bined with lush detail. Marco says, “We superlative way to spend an evening, where of chopped mint. He went on to prepare a
Wolf dual-convection oven or flipping pan- really wanted to wow the community! Over you will feel much more like a pampered salad of shaved raw asparagus dressed with
cakes on a Wolf griddle! the past few years, as we have remodeled guest than a student. As everyone is seated, fresh lemon juice, parmesan cheese, olive
Marco Barallon, general manager at the space, we have created relationships that sparkling water, red or white wine is offered oil, earthy truffle oil, lightly fried leeks and
Clarke says, “One of the benefits of visiting have given us access to amazing materials and the fun begins. shards of truffle, served atop a custardy
our showroom is that you really get to play and the most creative of minds.” Among the celebrity chefs on the roster warm truffle polenta. A resounding “Wow”
with the appliances, check the accuracy of From a glittery white kitchen with coun- is Matt Storch, the genius behind the bright was heard from the assembled crowd.
the sizing and be inspired by the beauty of tertops composed of quartz chunks embed- and innovative food at local South Norwalk Those shelled peas were married with
our displays. We don’t sell the appliances ded in resin to a replica of John Wayne’s hotspot, Match. Surrounded by heaps of rendered bacon, mint, lemon, butter, slow-
here, so there is absolutely no pressure to bar in the movie “Chisholm” to twin 36- ravishing spring produce including fresh, roasted onions, salty baked proscuitto chips
buy. We work with you, demonstrating inch refrigerators encased in Douglas fir fat asparagus, golden and ruby beets, plump and a young pecorino cheese. Doesn’t it just
every detail of the appliances so that you with copper and leather inlays, the Clarke fava beans, wispy fiddleheads and buxom
can make the best decision for yourself. We Culinary Center dazzles the eye and fires mushrooms, Chef Storch prepared a mag- See Clarke page 23

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February 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 21


Darien Antiques Show continued from page 11
staffed by volunteers working to The show will be open on
raise funds to support carefully Saturday, March 5, from 10 to 5,
selected local charities, including and Sunday, March 6, from 11 to
emergency shelters, food banks 5. Admission at the door is $10,
and social-service organizations. $8 for seniors. Visitors to the
The show, which features 35 of wonderful variety of booths will
the Northeast’s better dealers, will find American and Continental
kick off with an elegant Preview furniture; fine art in diverse
Party on Friday, March 4, at 7. media on canvas, paper and
The party’s primary beneficiary cloth; Georgian silver; antique
will be St. Luke’s LifeWorks of and estate jewelry and antique
Stamford, a not-for-profit organi- glass for every budget and deco-
zation that plays a critical role in rating need. A tearoom, open
providing learning opportunities, from 12 to 3 both days, serves
housing and support services to delicious home-cooked lunches
people overcoming homelessness and treats.
right here in Fairfield County. The First Congregational
Party hours are 7 to 9:30; Church of Darien is at the corner
tickets are $50 at the door and of Brookside Road and the Post
include weekend admission to the Road, just south of exit 13 on I-
show. The evening features an 95. For details and to view photos
opportunity to make early pur- of the 2010 show, visit darienan-
chases before the show opens to tiqueshow.org. Become a fan of the
the public, plus a silent auction, show on Facebook. For additional
entertainment, fine wines and information, call the church at
A pair of Chinese Foo Dogs, 1740. hors d’oeuvres. 203-655-0491. ■

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22 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. February 2011


ly
a mi and
F ed d
n te
Ow pera
O

Professional marble & stone refinishing


“let us make your stone look new again”
� marble � Granite � travertine
� limestone � terrazzo � slate
We can restore your:
floor
Shower
vanity
countertop
Ceramist Mindy Friedman Horn of Weston is among the 11 new members of the Silvermine Guild
walls of Artists whose work is displayed in the Silvermine Galleries through Feb. 20. The arts center is at
1037 Silvermine Road in New Canaan; gallery hours are 12 to 5 Wednesday through Saturday and 1
Furniture to 5 on Sunday. For more information, call 203-966-9700 or visit silvermineart.org.
top
—or any stone surface!
Clarke continued from page 21 As one guest, lost in delicious delirium mur-
mured, “This food is incredible.”
Our the
f or r k Incredible experiences are cooking at the
professional y o u
a n k ng w e o u
o
“Th t a n di re s t o r i ate
r sound spectacular? The incredible good- Clarke Culinary Center!

services s
o u t did t o appre c o u
y u ble . I pr ide k a n d
y
ness continued as Chef Storch prepared a
sweet, meaty, wild striped bass with spring
Clarke Culinary Center, 64 South Main
Street, South Norwalk; 866-838-9385;
include:
o
a r i ble o r vegetables and enormous loin lamp chops, Web, clarkecorp.com. Match, 98 Washington
m v is u r w yo u
t h e e i n yo sp e c t e perfectly grilled and presented with a mint Street, South Norwalk; 203-852-1088; Web,
� refinishing & “ We’d li k e
t a k t h e re o w t h ne r.”
sh e o w
puree, roasted beets and a tangy goat cheese. matchsono.com. ■
re-polishing yo u f o r t h
to t h ank h om a l l y
-S
e g re at jo
yo u did o n b
� spot & stain re p a ir ; w
o u r g ra n it
e
e a re s o
removal h a ppy w it
ht “Just wanted to let you Racking continued from page 9 the Stamford train station, the phone trick-
re s u lt s . T h e led out of her bag, bounced off the platform
h e g ra n it know our marble was
� stripping and lo o k s g re
at a
e and fell down on the tracks. A man standing
k itch e n w n d t h e finished beautifully
sealing as
s p o t le s s .” le f t today. The guys did a Mr. Silverstadt. “He said he had done this next to her offered to jump down and get
–Ste ve & perfect job and they before.” the cell, mentioning how terrible it was to
� chip & crack Sh a ro n were so polite and easy Mr. Silverstadt got a new phone, but lose a phone. After she told him that was
repair to deal with. You take
pride in your work
about two weeks later – after more warming far too dangerous, he flagged down a Metro
on an apartment steam heater – the soggy North employee, who went downstairs and
� residential & and it really shows.” cell dried out enough so that contacts could emerged with a pole equipped with a small
–Kathy
commercial be transferred. basket at the end. He used the device to
Not as fortunate are those secretly hoping scoop out the phone, which was still func-
for a new phone – only to be thwarted by tioning.
Call today for your free estimate the intervention of strangers, believing they As my wife relayed the story, I mentioned
203.482.4470 are performing acts of kindness.
A few months after getting a new smart-
that she didn’t sound too happy about get-
ting the phone rescued.
www.marblelife.com marblelifeofct@yahoo.com phone, my wife began complaining about “I thought it might be my chance to get a
how clunky it was to use. One morning at new one,” she said. ■
February 2011 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. 23
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24 HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn. February 2011

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