Stamford Weekend Events Oct 26: Not Much

Two notable events: 1) Friday--Jimmy's Seaside: release party for Lima Charlie's CD, 5 $. The Advocate weekend section makes it sound pretty cool. 2) Saturday-- top comics from "Last Comic Standing" at the Palace Theatre, tickets 31-37 $. Other than that, this seems like a movie/bar weekend. There's jazz at Long Ridge Tavern Fri and Sat, and a Georgian Dance Company at Stamford Center for the Arts on Sunday. Tickets are over 30 $ for that. I don't understand why they don't lower ticket prices so more people will attend. Click here to read more.

Hell = Michael's/Old Navy Parking Lot

If you've ever been in that parking lot, there's little left for me to tell you. If you enter it from one of the two left turns coming south on Summer, forget it. Put your patience cap on. Feeling irritable? Don't use the entrance close to Starbucks. All the dumb people are in that little lot, and they're backing out really slowly while traffic backs up behind the car waiting for the spot. Traffic like, 5 or 6 deep, because some people actually believe they can find a spot in that lot. Meanwhile, that line of traffic contains 5-6 people who are getting really pissed off, because they wanted that spot too. Are you people new to Stamford? Go use the lot/garage by Staples, connected to the Stop and Stop lot below.

Whoever decided to put 4 big stores (Michael's, Marshall's, ON and Party City) and 8 small ones in a place with only 150 parking spots was not thinking clearly. Save yourself the trouble and don't enter from Summer. Enter from Bedford going north. Did I say 4 major stores? That's because I didn't count Bed Bath and Beyond and Staples, since they are closer to the bigger lot by the parking garage, which is where you should be parking.

When I went to Party City yesterday, I didn't even bother entering the little lot. I parked on the street. I only go through that lot if I am coming from Bridge Street. Now that I think about it, I should turn right off Bridge, go left after Starbucks, left on Bedford, and just go into the BBB lot from Bedford. It might be 30 seconds longer, but you won't have to wade through cars waiting for spots and blocking intersections. I mean, you'll get some of that near BBB; this is lower Fairfield County, where 60 % of people drive like total a-holes.

Note: You can get a spot at 3pm on a weekday. 9 am on a weekend? Maybe. 9:30? No way in hell. Click here to read more.

Duo, Red Sox, Sake!

Last night in Stamford was a success for many, many people, including the Red Sox.
Me: Went to Duo with a friend. Our bill was only 87 $ with two beers, a glass of wine, 2 apps, 2 special rolls, and dessert! Holy Cow! I won't go into how fantastic all the food was, but I'll just tell you, I tried all new apps and entrees. 87 bucks?!? I checked the bill twice to make sure nothing was left off. That price, for a decadent, all-out meal in Stamford, is nothing short of a miracle. Duo’s full for Saturday (the place was mobbed last Saturday after the insanely positive review in the NY Times), so call your reservation in for Friday ASAP. Tip: If you foolishly didn't leave room for the chocolate dessert, try the green tea ice cream for $ 4.50.
My friend: Went to Bobby V's and watched the Red Sox beat the Rockies. He said it was a riotous good time, which is probably an understatement, considering that it was riotous this summer in a regular season RS/Yankees game. He said there wasn’t a bad view in the bar, as all screens had the game on, except for two with sumo wrestling (?). People were dressed up in RS regalia, and I quote, “It was $%$@ awesome.” SO, consider World Series games at Bobby V’s a DEFINITE option for a night out this week!

Note: This same friend went to Duo on Tuesday and thought it was great. He also wanted me to append a previous post about drinks last Thurs at Duo, saying, “You said it was a whole bottle- it was one of those small bottles, not one of the big ones. C'mon..." Well, I'm no sake connoisseur, but it was beer bottle-sized. That seems like a lotta sake to me! Click here to read more.

Me, Duo, and the New York Times Critic

Yesterday I ran into a friend while walking at ridiculously pretty Tod's Point.
"I can't wait for dinner tomorrow!" I said; we set up a date last week.
"You better get reservations! The New York Times just reviewed it."
I raised my hand for a high five.

Yes! I am so happy about Duo's positive review in the Times! One, because I love the owners and staff, and this review is going to kick their profile up with the other top Stamford restaurants. Two, because I was proven right. I went to Duo the week it opened in early September, and I have been writing glowingly about it ever since. I posted yesterday morning's dessert review before I knew about the Times review. I'm not saying that reporter (I mean, famous food critic) stole my ideas, but aren't her words about the dessert awfully similar to mine? Disclaimer: kidding.

I also wrote about Duo twice on the nation's premier restaurant discussion board, Chowhound. I was the first to write about it, and I bet Patricia Brooks visits that board occasionally to make sure she's on trend. I don’t want to say I started the trend, but I hope I kinda pushed that trend-ball in motion.

I'm going to Duo tonight, and I am already pondering what to order based on the critic's suggestions. Damn, now I totally feel like a food critic too! It's just that Brooks happens to be a way, way, way better better writer than me, and probably has a way, way, way more impressive resume.

I must say, on a non-self-centered level, I am very happy to have seen the restaurant grow from a few customers on a weeknight, to packed on the weekend 4 weeks later, to pretty much the talk of the town. I like seeing nice people win. Click here to read more.

Small Notes and Corrections

*Socrates Cafe does NOT happen at Chez Jean-Pierre- it's now a meetup group.

**Jimmy's Open Mike on Wed. is now hosted by Rev from Soldog.
***I heard there's a scary as hell Halloween maze up in Brookfield CT. (Eavesdropped on trainer and his client at the gym. I also watch them for new exercise ideas. It's like having a trainer for free.)

Click here to read more.

Duo's Fabulous Chocolate Dessert

My first time at Duo, I got the Buddha roll- fantastico. My second time, I got the sweet and sour roll... enh. However, that second time, WE GOT THE CHOCOLATE DESSERT. Yes I am shouting at you. I want you to hear me. It's the best dessert I've ever had. Capriccio's lemon cake is great, but that's casual. This dessert is FANCY. AND DELICIOUS. (But only 9 bucks!) If you have ever had the Chocolate Molten Cake at Morton's, let me tell you, this matches their molten cake and does it one better by adding a chunk of hazelnut mousse and scoop of strawberry sorbet.

Side note: If you are a single woman, go to Morton's around 6pm on any day of the week, sit at the bar, and be near 50 men, some of whom might be making millions of dollars. While you are sitting, I suggest that molten cake. Go to the gym, eat a salad at home, then go to Morton's and get that cake. If you are not looking to pick up men, go to Duo.

This iPhone picture does not capture the beauty of Duo's artfully composed plate of a molten chocolate cake, a big round chunk of hazelnut mousse, a macaroon with strawberry frosting, and a curl of strawberry sorbet. After you have it, you'll no longer settle for a chocolate cookie at Panera, or even their fancy brownies. Forget it. Just forget it, do yourself a favor, and save your chocolate calories for something meaningful. I no longer care about candy bars, because I have seen the light.

I went to Plateau last Thursday for dinner. Plateua is the Thai sibling of Euro-Japanese Duo. During dinner, I absentmindedly ate a spring roll appetizer, and my mind was only half on my salmon entree. I was thinking about Duo's dessert. When the meal ended, I tried to sound casual: "So, we should go next door and get that chocolate dessert at Duo." Most of my dining companions had to go home- one rises at 5:15 to catch the train, and another lives in Norwalk and takes the train. I was left with two mostly willing companions. I rustled them next door after I made it clear that I would not be sharing my dessert. We sat at the bar. My husband ordered Bailey's on the rocks, my friend got a (whole entire) bottle of the sweet saki, and I got the chocolate dessert. ***YAAHHHHHHHHH***! Again, unbelievable. I also had a very good glass of pinot noir, but I have to say, I think it distracted me from the dessert. When you get the CD for the first time, save the alcohol until later.

Duo is a great place to go later in the evening for drinks and dessert with a date. Previously, only the Greenwich Hyatt met the "drinks and dessert in a quiet and somewhat romantic" standards. Now, we have Duo. Take that, Hyatt!!! Click here to read more.

Affordable Shopping in the Area

I am so not a shopper, but the Advocate has a great article on cheap clothing brands in the area, including the only store in Fairfield that sells Sarah Jessica Parker's brand Bitten: the Trumbull Mall, very conveniently located right off the Merritt.

Other places are (obviously) Target (I got my best-fitting bikini ever there) and Kohl's. They don't mention the upcoming H & M store in the mall, which all women I know in the area are salivating over. I might even go to opening day for that, just so I can report on what I know will be an absolute frenzy. I gave up shopping to save for my trip to Ireland, and I haven't been able to shop since, to the point where it's almost a phobia. But I'm ok with that. I do enthusiastically shop for fancy dresses at Lord and Taylor, and when I'm feeling in shape, I'll hit Havana Jeans. Click here to read more.

Stamford Events Oct 19-23

Stamford!!! You have so much to offer this weekend and next week!
Friday:
* Craft Fair and Tag sale by the Over 60 Club. Often boring-sounding things turn out to be the most interesting. 10-3, Senior Services Building, 945 Summer. Looks like it's right near the YMCA just south of Tiernan’s. 349-1228 or 324-6584. Today and Sat.
Saturday:
* Author Talk and Book Signing at the Ferg. How Starbucks Saved My Life by Michael Gates Gill. 2pm, Free. Fairfield Weekly tells me it’s going to be a movie with Tom Hanks. Evidently the guy lost his job and his wife and… I’m not sure what Starbucks did for him after that.
* "Surf Nite," Jimmy's Seaside, 8:30 p.m. It’s not all surf music, thank goodness. Beach Boy-style music makes me want to throw up- I mean a literal feeling of nausea- as does the music of Jimmy Buffet and an a cappella group from my college- I can’t explain it. The FW mentions psychobilly and rockabilly (whatever that is), and a burlesque dancer performs between bands. 7 $ cover charge, I think. 964-9225.

Sunday:
* Kid Event: Harvest Festival at Stamford Museum and Nature Center.
* CT Grassroots for Obama '08 mobilization meeting at the Yerwood Community Center at 90 Fairfield Ave. He's having fundraising meetings in a private home, and his campaign doesn't have the Yerwood Center on the agenda, but some people are hoping he'll show up anyway...430-7, free.

Tues:
* Jazz and Poetry Open Mike at Bradford’s.

Wed:
* Movie “Who the #$% is Jackson Pollock?” at the Ferg, 12:10. I’ll check this out; I’m not sure who goes to movies at 12 except for retirees and unemployed, and maybe some moms, and, I suppose, the self-employed, like me. The Ferg’s summary: “A feisty 73-year-old crusades to have a $5 garage sale painting certified as an authentic Jackson Pollock.” Cool. 75 min.
* Documentary night at the Avon Theatre. 10 $ for non-members, but you get wine and cheese at 6:30! The movie looks really cool.

Ongoing:
* Haunted House at Stamford Museum and Nature Center.
* Play: Rounding Third at Stamford Theatre Works. Sounds funny; it involves two little league coaches arguing. Tues-Sat 8pm, Sat 4, Sun 2. Goes until Nov 11. Click here to read more.

Stamford School Controversy Part 2

An article in yesterday's Advocate said Republican Board of Ed candidates oppose the current plan to redistrict Stamford's schools. That plan includes the closing of Toquam Magnet School, one of only four schools in Stamford to meet No Child Left Behind standards. That obviously looks like a bad idea, but an Advocate Letter to the Editor (scroll down) questions whether the BOE candidates have any better ideas for balancing the demographics (race, income, ESL students, test scores) of Stamford's schools. I learned a bit about the plan in researching my previous post on the topic. It’s a complicated issue, as is the redistricting plan. I like that the letter's author demands to know exactly where the BOE stands on some very important questions, both philosophical and logistical. See her letter for a list of damn good, controversial questions. If I had a kid in the school system, I’d be all over this issue.

The BOE meets tonight, 6:30 at Westhill High, and will discuss the plan. A huge crowd is expected. On Oct. 30, 7pm at Westhill High, there will be a meeting where residents can comment. Now that's gonna be interesting! Even if you have kids under age 5, you should go; the plan contains pretty drastic changes. Click here to read more.

A Vow Against Road Rage

I was driving around Stamford today: CVS, doctor, post office, gym. Driving often involves parking, which involves the give and take of waiting for other people. Today a truck tried to cut around me- directly into my path- as I was turning into a spot. It was a big, threatening, shiny new truck, white with silver chrome, and he was right on my heinie. He stopped abruptly, and I imagined he was probably PO'd, but all I felt was calm. I have taken a vow against road rage. I'm not going to do it anymore. I was a little stressed this spring and summer, and I was driving like a b*&$@. Recently life has calmed down a bit, and I have the time and positive mindset to be nice to people.

I know you can't be too nice, or people can't predict what you're going to do. It's dangerous to drive too differently from those around you. But I'm going to let people go in front of me if it won't cause a pileup behind me.

MIND YOU: I am not going to let people blow through stop signs, like the girl in Greenwich who almost sideswiped me yesterday. I honked and cursed at her because she deserved it. I will aggressively switch lanes, and I will turn left in front of oncoming traffic if I have time. I won't let someone cross in front of me to turn if cars are coming in the other direction, forcing my whole lane to wait. It's impolite to hold up others needlessly.

Careful at the hot spots: old people at a grocery store, Elm St. near Colony Pizza (those words make me salivate) and... well, you probably know of some more places. Oh- Rt.1 near the Dunkin Donuts on the west side of town. I once got rear-ended by someone who was waving to his friend, and yesterday a Miata sped out of DD right in front of me. Fortunately, I've learned to look out for lunatics on that stretch of road. I suggest you do the same. Most days someone will zip out between the park cars and/or try to pass you even though it's technically a (wide) one-lane road. But Stamford- I'm not saying I don't love you. Your unpredictability makes you fun; you're always a challenge, and I like that. When I'm old, maybe I'll prefer relaxed Rt. 1 in Darien. But for now, we're a pair. When I can afford a house in the area, we'll cement this union.

There is a lot of construction going on today; Hope St, and near the Starbucks on Summer... so you too might have the chance to be patient today. Best of luck to ya. Click here to read more.

Mill River Park: Is it Mill River Park?

This Advocate article (this link will expire in two weeks) is about improving Mill River Park, which I'm all in favor of. It's a pretty park, but the one time I gave it a good look, the north end of the park near the Goodwill was occupied by men with bottles in brown bags (at noon). So, I'd hesitate to go there alone, especially as night approaches. However, I am now confused about where Mill River Park is.
I thought MR was the park with the ugly dam, just south of the Goodwill on Broad. But this article talked about lighting up the bridges over the river... there are no bridges at that park.

Then I thought, oh, maybe they mean the park that borders Wash Blvd, which has bridges over a river- but I think that's Scalzi park. I googled Mill River Park, and Google pointed me to a park, in the same place as Mill River, called Whittaker Park. The park with bridges over the river: Scalzi. So, ya got me. As usual, info in Stamford is patchy.

The park- uh, the one I call Mill River- really is lovely. The dam is ugly, but there are often ducks to feed. The south end, right on Tresser, has a great playground. It's on a busy road, but there is a fence. Still, I'd keep your eye on your kid. Click here to read more.

Margot's, Open for Dinner

I'm eager to know who has tried Margot Cafe and Wine Bar for dinner. Ever since I discovered Margot's, I've been mildly irritated that they close at 6, just after I finish my cheese plate and am ready for some more good food. They've been talking about opening for dinner since September... I've called every week to check... and it's finally happened! Salads, pastas and appetizers are VERY reasonably priced. Unfortunately, all entrees are over 20$ except the rice and beans, but oh well. That cheese plate is still a great, delicious deal. And, I know I'm crazy, but I cried out gleefully when I saw they have roasted brussels sprouts as a side!!
Margot's has a great wine list. Parking is easy; it's in the Bulls Head Shopping Center. It's relatively small... probably seats just over 30... but there is plenty of space between tables. Margot's hours are a little patchy, which is bad for people like me who can't keep things straight. I THINK they are closed Monday, open 8-3 on Sunday. I think they're only open for dinner Th-Sat. During the week, T-W, they have the 7:70 to 6 hours they used to have every day. That is probably all wrong, so... I'd call ahead if you doubt me. Click here to read more.

Murder in Stamford!

I'm like a cat, stalking Stamford. You never know what this city's gonna hit you with, which is why I always bring my camera. On the way to lunch at the new restaurant Market (not open for lunch), we stopped for gas at the Shell across from the Sheraton, where my cat-eyes spotted a cop car blocking the Sheraton entrance, and a huge special operations truck and crime investigation scene van out front. Other cop cars kept arriving. It was very ominous. I snapped a pic. "What's happening here?" I asked my husband.
"I don't know, maybe it's the same thing as yesterday. I think this area was blocked off."
"Like, because of floods? I saw a crime scene van."
"Well, maybe they're practicing something." (Like terrorist attack stuff?) We peered more closely as we left the station and saw a cop walking out, and a middle-aged couple walking in. "Doesn't look like much is happening- no one looks really stressed."
"Well-" I muttered, "it doesn't look like an exercise to me." We had a crappy lunch at Black Bear and drove home. This morning I looked at the Advocate online- Murder in Stamford! It's a really, really sad article. The woman was a 21 year old from Greenwich.
Well, Stamford. I'm not sure what to say about this. Only that you should be careful when you drink, and be careful who you drink with. And I am very sorry for this woman's family. And that I feel bad for taking a paparazzi-like picture yesterday, but I didn't know what was going on. Click here to read more.